Extraction, USA

We stumbled upon Extraction, USA and were not disappointed. It's a gritty, low-budget gem with scrappy charm that's hard to resist. Set in the fictional, frack-rattled town of Extraction, the film follows a single mom (Leanne Johnson) and a drifter named Steph (Marlee Carpenter) as they strike up a volatile friendship-and an impulsive criminal partnership. What begins with pool hustling and daydreams of a better life quickly spirals into real stakes.

The chemistry between the two leads anchors the film, while the cinematography elevates it beyond its modest means. Rough around the edges in all the right ways, it's impossible not to root for these underdogs as they stumble through their plans with dark humor, tension, and unexpected twists. An indie film well worth the watch.

You can't help feeling empathy for Marni a single mom trying to raise her reclusive teenage son. It's not before Marni meets Steph, a bird of passage and fellow pool hustler, who instantly wins Marni over, that she can envision a way out of the dead-end oil town.

Writers Peter Matsoukas and Mike Yonts delicately weave the subplot of the queer relationship subplot, which rapidly develops between Marni and Steph into their multifarious script rather than turn the spotlight onto it. It's written to feel conventional to the point that Marni's son never questions their budding love. Instead, we watch their romance, new terrain for Marni, evolve by paralleling their ambitions to find a way out Extraction

Yonts' gritty and vigorous soundtrack flows throughout most of the film much like the crude under the town's grounds. It transpits the synergy created on screen by our duo in the throes of love. A great watch!

The creators of "Extraction" are natural storytellers. Not only did this film capture the frustration and fear of those exposed to the environmental dangers of fracking, it also made a strong statement for feminism, all while holding the audience's attention with a compelling love story, familial bonds and action. The casting was great, from minor characters to the leads. There are a lot of characters to root for in this film. Strong performances all around. Both Leanne Johnson and Marlee Carpenter are compelling actresses to watch. Another great aspect of the film: albeit subtle, some of the camera angles are quite creative. Well done!

You can feel the tension woven between the characters. It really draws you in, making their struggles resonate deeply with the viewer. It's a vivid portrayal of the relentless pursuit of a better life, and the reality they face feels strikingly authentic. The narrative unfolds with an incredible depth, showcasing the fearless spirit of the two women as they battle against the odds, confronting their hardships with unwavering resolve. This story is not just compelling; it's a masterfully developed exploration of resilience that captivates and inspires!

A must watch and excited for this to be an even bigger hit!

I was invited to see this movie on screen at KAN-KAN an Indianapolis theatre that supports independent filmmakers. The two friends who invited me are well acquainted with its producer and director, Mike Yontz.

I had no idea what we were going to see. As it opened I was quickly drawn into the story of Marni, a struggling single mother in the fictitious small town of extraction, USA whose economy is based on a corrupt oil company.

The film is fast-paced with lots of plot turns and twists, the acting is excellent and the use of the donated and low budget settings is very impressive. Impressive. Indianapolis residents will find themselves surprised to see a lot of Indianapolis footage. The lesbian love story is particularly attractive to some of us. 😉 It's refreshing to see women in strong roles. Even if there is a bit of anti-heroism in their story. Give it a look! As well. Worth watching.