Extraction, USA

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.

So this story is about a single mom in a town that is blue collar but dominated in that industry and everyone else has to fight for the scraps of the economy, making it a class division and building animosity amongst the community members. Through circumstances and scraping by, like pool hustling and whatever she can do to gain a financial edge, Marni, the protagonist, lean further and further into increasing risky criminal acts that can gain financial freedom. She meets a free spirit independent woman who increases these tendencies in her personal life that leads to even higher riskier capers. Fun film with a surprising ending.

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!

"Extraction USA." The actor direction, cinematography, and performances by the actresses (and actors) were outstanding.

My wife and I loved this movie !

I highly recommend watching this film. The plot is well-crafted, the intrigue and resolution are worthy of the best-known thrillers!

This film will become a landmark in American independent cinema, directed with imagination and efficiency, and it deserves a place in the top festivals around the world.

A film to watch over and over again because it is so entertaining. Don't forget to make some popcorn and let yourself be carried away by its effective plot.