The Idris Elba Heist Thriller On Netflix That Stephen King Loves

By Steven Nelson | Published

idris elba

Dive into the high-stakes world of heists and high-speed chases with Idris Elba leading the pack in Takers. Streaming now on Netflix, this adrenaline-packed thriller promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as a group of professional criminals takes on their most audacious job yet. But with the heat on their tail and tensions rising within the group, will they make it out on top or crumble under pressure? 

Join Idris Elba and an ensemble cast of Hollywood’s finest in a race against time, where every decision could be the difference between freedom and capture. Get ready, because in the world of Takers, it’s all about the score.

Idris Elba stars in the heist film Takers which is currently streaming on Netflix

Takers is a fast-paced crime thriller centered around a group of highly skilled bank robbers who lead a luxurious lifestyle, funded by their meticulously planned heists.

The team, consisting of Gordon Cozier (Idris Elba), John Rahway (Paul Walker), A.J. (Hayden Christensen), Jake Attica (Michael Ealy), and his younger brother Jesse Attica (Chris Brown), has successfully pulled off several high-stakes robberies without ever leaving a trace or getting caught.

Their impressive run by Idris Elba and company catches the attention of former associate Ghost (T.I.), who has just been released from prison. Ghost presents the crew with a detailed plan for an armored truck heist that promises a massive payout. While the crew is initially hesitant, given Ghost’s recent stint in prison, the allure of the potential score is too tempting to resist.

As they embark on this new venture, they’re pursued doggedly by LAPD detective Jack Welles (Matt Dillon) and his partner Eddie Hatcher (Jay Hernandez). Welles becomes obsessed with capturing the team, drawing connections between their heists and putting the pieces together.

Joining Idris Elba in Takers is Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Michael Ealy, Matt Dillon, and Zoe Saldana

The Idris Elba group’s dynamics start to shift as internal tensions and suspicions about Ghost’s true intentions rise. The heist becomes not just a test of their professional skills, but also of their loyalty to one another. As the lines between friend and foe blur, the team realizes that this job might not be as straightforward as they initially thought.

The film culminates in a series of betrayals, shootouts, and high-adrenaline chase scenes, pushing each character to their limits and forcing them to confront the consequences of their criminal lifestyles.

Stephen King, the prolific horror and suspense novelist, often shares his personal opinions on films and TV shows with his fans. For Takers, King expressed his admiration, praising its pacing, action, and characters. 

Such an endorsement from a writer of King’s stature, who has seen many of his own works adapted into film and television, carries significant weight. This affirmation from King added an unexpected layer of validation for Idris Elba and the Takers crew.

Stephen King praised Takers when it first came out in theaters

While the film was popular among heist genre aficionados, it didn’t necessarily garner universal acclaim from critics. King’s appreciation for the movie underscores his diverse taste, extending beyond just horror and suspense.

idris elba

Takers, despite its energetic action sequences and ensemble cast led by Idris Elba, faced a tough reception from critics. With a score of just 28 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the general consensus seemed to tilt towards the negative. 

Critics felt the film suffered from a formulaic approach and lacked depth in character development, overshadowing the film’s other merits. However, there were notable exceptions to this critical consensus.

Stephen King, renowned for his contributions to the horror and suspense genres, voiced his admiration for the movie. King’s endorsement served as a testament to the film’s appeal, proving that it resonated with certain audiences, even if it wasn’t a universal hit with critics.

Idris Elba in Takers offers viewers a thrilling heist saga, punctuated with intense action sequences and a compelling narrative. While it may not have been a critical darling, the film certainly has elements that appeal to many, as evidenced by the surprising endorsement from literary legend Stephen King. 

Now available on Netflix, Takers provides a golden opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to dive into its gripping world of crime, loyalty, and redemption. Whether you’re drawn to its star-studded cast, its edge-of-the-seat heist drama, or simply the allure of Idris Elba’s commanding presence, Takers promises an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.