The Richard Madden Action Thriller On Netflix That Needs A Sequel

By Steven Nelson | Published

Dive into the high-stakes world of crime and espionage with The Take, also known as Bastille Day, now streaming on Netflix. In this pulse-pounding thriller, the charismatic Richard Madden stepped away from his regal role in Game of Thrones and his superpowered turn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to embody a nimble pickpocket caught in a dangerous web of corruption and terrorism that sprawls across Paris.

Richard Madden’s transition into the action genre promises explosive sequences, a taut narrative, and a glimpse into the dark underbelly of the city of lights. Prepare yourself for a frenetic ride that blends suspense, action, and political intrigue into a cohesive plot, making it a must-watch for those seeking a dose of adrenaline-pumping cinema.

Richard Madded stars with Idris Elba in The Take now streaming on Netflix

In the action-packed thriller The Take (also known as Bastille Day), Richard Madden stars as Michael Mason, a highly-skilled pickpocket operating in Paris. His life takes a drastic turn when he steals a bag containing more than just a wallet – inside is a bomb that explodes, throwing Mason into a whirlwind of danger and drawing the attention of the CIA.

Idris Elba portrays the stern and determined CIA agent, Sean Briar, who quickly apprehends Mason, initially believing him to be involved in a larger terrorist plot.

richard madden

However, as the layers of the plot unfold, Briar realizes that Mason is just a small cog in a much larger and sinister machine. The unlikely pair find themselves forming a reluctant partnership, utilizing Mason’s skills as a thief and Briar’s brute force and intelligence background to uncover a corruption scheme that threatens to engulf the whole city in chaos.

Idris Elba portrays a CIA agent who quickly apprehends Richard Madden’s character, initially believing him to be involved in a larger terrorist plot.

As the clock ticks down, they navigate through the bustling streets of Paris in a race against time to thwart a devastating attack that could shake the country to its core.

In their pursuit of truth, they encounter various shady characters and face numerous obstacles, providing audiences with heart-stopping action sequences and a gritty portrayal of the darker sides of Paris.

A potent blend of action and political intrigue, The Take offers viewers a glimpse into a world where alliances are temporary and the line between good and bad blurs, with Madden and Elba delivering compelling performances that drive the narrative forward, making it a high-stakes game where failure is not an option.

richard madden

The critical reception to The Take was somewhat mixed. While many praised the dynamic performances of Richard Madden and Idris Elba, as well as the intense action sequences, others found the plot to be somewhat formulaic and lacking depth, not fully utilizing the potential of its socio-political backdrop. The narrative, according to some critics, occasionally succumbs to clichés commonly found in action thrillers, detracting from its initial promise.

Could Richard Madden Return For The Take Sequel?

In an industry that frequently spawns sequels and spin-offs, The Take stands as a viable candidate for a follow-up installment. The dynamic pairing of Richard Madden and Idris Elba forged a compelling and electrifying partnership that could easily be further explored in a sequel. Both characters showcase depth and complexity, offering a rich canvas to paint a continuation of their narratives. 

A new story could delve deeper into the underworld they fought against, perhaps escalating the stakes and presenting them with even more formidable adversaries. Moreover, a sequel could allow Madden’s character, Michael Mason, to evolve from a nimble pickpocket to a seasoned operative, fully realizing his potential and perhaps even becoming a mentor figure himself.

Additionally, the geopolitical landscape that The Take resides in is rife with opportunities to explore contemporary global issues – touching upon themes of terrorism, political intrigue, and the often blurred lines between right and wrong. The streets of Paris, which served as the backdrop for the original, can once again reverberate with tales of espionage and action, providing a gritty, realistic canvas for the continuation of the story.

 A sequel could potentially expand the scope, taking audiences to new locations and immersing them in a world of high-stakes international intrigue. Furthermore, the dichotomy of Madden’s youthful agility and Elba’s seasoned expertise could be further leveraged, offering audiences a balanced blend of wisdom and vigor, as they navigate through potentially even more complex and dangerous scenarios.

In the final assessment, The Take emerges as a pulsating action thriller that benefits immensely from the fiery chemistry between Richard Madden and Idris Elba. Despite traversing a plot path frequently traveled by other genre offerings, it manages to carve a niche of its own, offering moments of genuine tension and excitement.

While it may not reinvent the wheel, the solid performances and heart-pounding sequences ensure a gripping viewing experience for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled cinematic ride.