“Stylistically as well as thematically complex, Charles Oliver's ambitious debut feature, TAKE is grueling, hard-to-take drama that is well worth the viewer's effort.”
“TAKE ultimately is haunting for the precision of its visual style.”
“Both [Driver’s and Renner’s] performances are excellent.”
- Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter >
“Dynamic action sequences and intense performances mark Oliver as a director to watch.”
“Somewhat in the manner of Steven Soderbergh and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's temporal juggling, Oliver navigates the four blocks freely, sometimes intercutting rhythmically to increase suspense, association or contrast, sometimes letting scenes unfold in unhurried fullness.”
“The action sequences flow kinetically, bouncing off the emotional horror of the protagonists, unable to control the unwilled events sweeping them along.”
“Certain fluidity and elegance.”
- Ronnie Scheib, Variety >
“TAKE is my favorite film of the [Tribeca] festival and the best film I’ve seen this year.”
“Writer-director Charles Oliver, making a remarkable feature-film debut, follows his characters over the course of two separate days...highlighting their emotional rather than chronological journeys. Otherwise, he stays out of the way, using a spare visual style and keeping our attention focused on the story, the characters, and the award-worthy performances of Driver and Renner.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Skuawk.com >
“[Minnie Driver’s] performance in TAKE...clearly demonstrates she has lost none of her ability to deftly carry a movie and, importantly, give it emotional depth.”
“A compelling performance from 9-year-old Bobby Coleman”
“Oliver is a name to look out for.”
- Amber Wilkinson, Eye For Film >
“The ending is tenuous, harrowing and well worth the wait, and the performances are first rate, with Renner’s standout tour de force portrayal as Saul.”
“See this film…for the gutsy and gritty performances.”
- Brian Hughes, Entertainment Insiders >
(see what the viewers are saying)
“TAKE is one of those films that won't leave you alone - three days since I've seen it and I can't get it out of my head, my heart, or my vast admiration for its writer-director, Charles Oliver. His unexpected structure is a lesson for all young screenwriters, the secret left for discovery by its characters - not used as a sting against us. The peril is awful and the heartbreak real, with human understanding, if not sympathy, for all sides. Beautifully filmed, stunningly acted by Minnie Driver, Jeremy Renner, and the most convincing child actor (Bobby Coleman) I've seen since FINDING NEVERLAND, this loving, terrifying film is worth your nightmares”
- Stewart Stern, Screenwriter (Rebel Without A Cause, Rachel Rachel)