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The Take

The Take

With law comes disorder

201692 minRMidcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Director
James Watkins
Starring
Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte Le Bon, Kelly Reilly

Michael Mason is an American pickpocket living in Paris who finds himself hunted by the CIA when he steals a bag that contains more than just a wallet. Sean Briar, the field agent on the case, soon realises that Michael is just a pawn in a much bigger game and is also his best asset to uncover a large-scale conspiracy.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Take?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Take streaming on STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Take?

The Take earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Box Office Flop.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Take worth watching?

The Take's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 95K ratings across 6 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

51st percentile

Better received than 51% of films

67th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

62 /100

50th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Action51st percentile among 2010s

Critics 48 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

66th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 2010s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 48% · Audience 42%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

95th percentile

95K ratings across platforms

91st percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$42K
Domestic gross$50K
Worldwide gross$15M

Returned 0.7× its budget — 64th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It's a fast, derivative action-thriller built entirely around Idris Elba's charisma.

Fans praised

  • Idris Elba's commanding screen presence and action-hero charisma
  • Tight, relentless pacing with non-stop tension
  • Entertaining escapism that knows exactly what it is

Detractors panned

  • Derivative plot with a weak, implausible story
  • Sloppy editing and shaky fight choreography
  • Painfully clichéd American-saves-the-day trope

What stands out

Pacing80

Brisk momentum; never overstays its 90 minutes

ActingDivisive75

Elba magnetic and effortless; Madden solid but supporting

TensionDivisive70

Non-stop suspense but undermined by weak plot logic

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Solid hand-to-hand and chase sequences

Dialogue50

Some witty banter but mostly forgettable

CharactersDivisive45

Shallow, archetypal leads with little chemistry

Plot and storyDivisive35

Implausible heist clichés with obvious twists

Originality20

Mash-up of Bourne and Die Hard with no fresh ideas

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Take like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingWarm
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its action thriller plot with earnestness, mixing tense set-pieces with light banter between the leads. It plays its story straight without irony or self-awareness.
The rideThe film keeps up tension through chases and confrontations, with lighter character moments woven in.
StructureThe film is told in a straightforward chronological narrative, following the pursuit, team-up, and eventual confrontation with the villains.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayA light, enjoyable action-thriller that leaves the viewer entertained rather than thoughtful.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows a CIA agent and a pickpocket who team up to uncover a conspiracy orchestrated by a corrupt government official. The corrupt interior minister and his mercenary group are the monstrous threat the protagonists must overcome.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the evolving partnership between a cynical agent and a streetwise pickpocket, testing trust and loyalty as they work together.
StanceThe film questions the effectiveness and ethics of the anti-terrorist system while focusing on the partnership.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Alex Heffes
SettingFrance, likely Paris or a major city, in the present day
MusicThe score likely emphasizes tension and action, typical of a thriller.

Content guide

Is The Take okay for kids?

R

The Take is rated R: “Rated R for violence, language and some nudity” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at moderate (56/100), language at intense (63/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 37% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • Ireland15
  • New Zealand16
  • JapanPG12
  • Brazil14
  • Denmark15
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SwedenR
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 61% of all filmsHeavier than 37% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Take have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Take?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Idris Elba
as Sean Briar
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Madden
as Michael Mason
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Charlotte Le Bon
as Zoe
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Kelly Reilly
as Karen Dacre
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
José Garcia
as Victor Gamieux
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anatol Yusef
as Tom Luddy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Eriq Ebouaney
as Baba
Alex Fondja
as Ange
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Arieh Worthalter
as Jean
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Thierry Godard
as Rafi Bertrand

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Take?

Movies like The Take include The Transporter (2002), From Paris with Love (2010) and Bullet to the Head (2012). Of the 12 closest matches, half are spy films, and most are stories about unlikely alliances.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its feel: adventurous. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Take?

832 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: spy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.