When lives are at stake, feeling uncomfortable is a way to call us all into action. Adrian Jules’ short film The Takeover is the story of a grieving father, Billy Hunter (Luke Woodruff), who is looking to find a small ounce of justice for the death of his son, who committed suicide after a bullying incident at school.
Set at afterschool detention, Hanna (Maura Grace Athari) is supervising Tina (Ashleigh Morghan), Rosie (Blanca Isabella), and Devin (Andre Randle). Billy storms in, holding Principal Thompson (Adrian Jules) at gunpoint. With everyone in a frightened state, Billy is about to exact final judgment on the student who bullied his son, as well as those who watched it happen and said nothing. Then there are the teacher and the principal, who did nothing because they had a secret.
“Billy storms in, holding Principal Thompson at gunpoint.”
Writer/director Adrian Jules wastes no time getting the action going. From the moment Billy bursts through the door with Principal Thompson, Jules maintains a relentless pace, with his handheld camera amplifying the tension. Jules also gets great reactions from his cast.
No one ever wants to be in a hostage situation, but Jules reveals the circumstances that led his characters to this single flashpoint. There is no question that Billy is in the wrong, but at the same time, we empathize with his plight—losing a son and not wanting his life to end in vain.
The message of The Takeover is clear: if you’re in trouble and need help, there are resources. For the rest of us, keep your eyes open and be willing to reach out to anyone in need.
"…keep your eyes open and be willing to reach out to anyone in need."
