The Take – A Gritty, Fast-Paced Thriller Fueled by Suspicion and Action
The Take (also known as Bastille Day in some regions) is a 2016 action-thriller directed by James Watkins, starring Idris Elba and Richard Madden. Set in the politically charged atmosphere of modern-day Paris, the film delivers a tightly wound narrative filled with suspense, high-stakes conspiracies, and explosive action. With its compact runtime and sharp pacing, The Take manages to keep audiences engaged while tackling themes of terrorism, surveillance, and personal redemption.
At the center of the story is Michael Mason (played by Richard Madden), an American pickpocket living in Paris, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a terrorist plot when he steals a bag containing a bomb. After discarding the bag in a public place, it explodes, killing several people — and Mason becomes the prime suspect. Enter CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba), a hard-edged operative known for defying protocol and relying on instinct. When Briar captures Mason, he quickly realizes the young man isn’t the terrorist — just a pawn in a much larger, more sinister game.
As Briar and Mason team up, the narrative unfolds into a race against time to uncover the real culprits behind the bombing — a group of corrupt French officials orchestrating a false-flag operation to distract the public and steal millions from the national bank during the chaos. What follows is a blend of gritty action sequences, hand-to-hand combat, street chases, and tense confrontations that rarely let up.
Idris Elba commands the screen with his trademark intensity and charisma. As Briar, he portrays a no-nonsense operative who balances brute force with calculated reasoning. Elba brings a believable mix of gravitas and charm, elevating the film’s more formulaic elements with his presence alone. Richard Madden complements him well as the reluctant sidekick, bringing vulnerability and cleverness to the role of Mason, who slowly shifts from a self-serving thief to someone willing to do the right thing.
While The Take doesn’t shy away from familiar tropes of the genre — mismatched duo, government corruption, ticking clock — it keeps the execution sleek and energetic. Watkins, known for his work on The Woman in Black and Eden Lake, directs with urgency, using real Parisian locations to ground the film’s visual tone in a believable, lived-in world. The fight scenes are raw and well-staged, particularly those involving Elba, who brings physical weight to every punch and takedown.
What also sets The Take apart is its backdrop. Set against France’s Bastille Day celebrations, the film touches on contemporary issues like civil unrest, nationalism, and the manipulation of public fear through media and staged terror. Though the commentary isn’t deeply philosophical, it adds a layer of relevance to the action and keeps the stakes grounded in modern anxieties.
In the end, The Take succeeds as a stylish, fast-paced thriller anchored by strong performances and an intriguing premise. It may not redefine the genre, but it delivers a satisfying mix of intrigue and adrenaline, propelled by the undeniable charisma of Idris Elba and the compelling chemistry between the leads. For fans of espionage-driven action and gritty international thrillers, The Take is a lean and effective watch.
