Taylor Schilling Delivers in ‘Take Me,’ a Clever and Witty Take on Kidnapping

Alex Aronson

The Duplass Brothers have carved a niche for themselves, creating quirky, unique, and unusual independent films. At the helm of their producing skills, “Take Me” serves as a droll directorial debut for Pat Healy, and fits right into their amusing repertoire.

As Ray Moody (Pat Healy) sits in a bank waiting room, he is filled with hopeful jitters as he knows it isn’t going to be easy to seek a loan for his untraditional, and rather ludicrous, business. Kidnap Solutions, LLC, claims to “help people” by kidnapping them for eight hours and holding them hostage in a basement. It is all finalized with proper paperwork, compensation, and duel party agreements.

His business seems to be rather structured for what it is. He knows what he is doing, and he can manipulate his customers into doing what exactly they want. He is pretty confident until he meets his newest client, Anna St. Clair (“Orange Is the New Black” star Taylor Schilling).

Anna, an alluring and intimidating corporate executive, is willing to pay $5,000 for a weekend-long abduction – but only if Ray agrees to violate his terms and physically slap her around. Ray reluctantly abides, but soon finds he is in way over his head once the cops become involved in her missing person case.

After her “abduction,” it is never quite clear whether or not Anna is willingly partaking in the hostage scenario or if it’s all an act. Anna turns the tables on Ray when she claims she has no idea about the alleged “agreement” – leaving the audience to wonder whether or not someone has set them both up for failure.

“Take Me” allows Schilling a real chance to shine. Her performance remains consistently engaging to watch as she experiences a rollercoaster of emotions that seem to switch on the flip of a dime – and she is more than capable.

The tug-of-war toss-up between Anna and Ray leads them to his parents’ remote cabin, which delves into the secrets that reveal Ray’s motivations. The story, penned by Mike Makowsky, is a constant guessing game – remaining consistently entertaining, smart, and witty until the very end.

Produced by the Duplass Brothers, “Take Me” which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, is part of a four-picture deal the duo have in conjunction with Netflix.

“Take Me” opens May 5 in New York/Los Angeles and digital platforms nationwide.