Mikes Film Talk

Writer/Director Jem Garrard gives us the 2025 South African treat Takeout. This darkly comic thriller manages to move quickly into a slasher fest where bodies start to stack up.

Like cordwood.

Takeout the Story

Three fast food employees join forces to capture a serial killer. Nova suspects a man named Grady after she discovers a doll and a dead body in the car boot. The staff decide to collect the reward on offer for his capture. Unfortunately for them, they are undermanned.

The Takeout Cast

N’kone Mametja is Nova.

Deoudoné Pretorius is Harper.

Darron Meyer is Benny.

Daniel Janks is Adrian Greenwood.

Damien Wantenaar is Grady.

Gia Capouya is Milly.

Robyn Scott is Susan.

Let’s Talk Takeout

Takeout is South Africa masquerading as America. They do a pretty convincing job. All the actors do an admirable “Yankee accent.” The violence is bloody and not too in your face. Although there are volumes of “claret” to be had.

Jem Garrard gives us their version of middle to lower class America. The protagonists here are not necessarily likable, with the exception of Nova. Harper is anally retentive, Benny has got a poor attitude and Susan is unpleasant. Susan is also a bit of a sexual predator, at least where Benny is concerned.

Perhaps the most nonsensical thing is that much of what happens midway through the film could have been avoided. Harper and Benny insist that they claim the reward money for capture of the Brookhaven serial killer. They are afraid they will lose out if they just dial 9-1-1. Had the duo just called the police, most of the bodies in the diner would have disappeared.

*But then there would not be a movie, would there?*

The FX are pretty darn good, like the accents they pass muster easily. The stunt choreography works well and the thing is shot brilliantly. “The Drip” diner looks as American as apple pie, despite the grungy state of it.

To be honest, Takeout made me think of Last Stop in Yuma. Although that was more of a Noir film. It is, however, set in a diner and it has a large body count as well.

The Verdict

Takeout works brilliantly as a darkly comic thriller. There are superb touches throughout. Nova’s abusive stepdad and her little sister for example. *Keep an on Gia Capouya as Milly. That kid’s got chops for days at an early age.* #gonnagofar

The film is an easy 4.5 stars for content and dark humour. It is, if the poster does not give it away, on Tubi right now. Head on over and see how South Africa do it.

The Trailer