Jem Garrard’s ‘TAKEOUT’ (2025) – Movie Review

Jem Garrard’s Takeout is a new Tubi original movie that you won’t want to sleep on. This movie melds together comedy, mystery, and terror. Takeout caught me completely by surprise after thinking to myself that I should at least give it one watch, and I am glad I did. Takeout has become one of my favorite movies of the year. The film sheds new light on the slasher genre.

Let’s dive into the review.

Synopsis

Three coworkers on the night shift at a remote diner get in over their heads after digging for proof that one of their customers is a serial killer.

Jem Garrard directed the film. It stars N’kone Mametja, Deoudoné Pretorius, Daniel Janks, Darron Meyer, Gia Capouya, Damien Wantenaar, and Robyn Scott.

The Rundown

Takeout is a movie that keeps you guessing, full of twists in sometimes hilarious ways. What I love the most is that the film was non-stop, always thinking we are on the borderline and have everything figured out. Then it turns out to be a fantastic story that was pulled off so well. The characters were believable, and on this rare occasion, I managed to like all of them. They play off each other like a ping pong game. Always ready to do their part, it is easy to find these characters taking it to the limit of a believable situation.

Instead of monsters, the film brings you an eerie feeling deep down. You end up cheering for the heroes, if you see them as heroes, I would think they are. Takeout also brings another lesson into the light about greed: how far would you go for a payday from the police? Those are the moments you find yourself cursing at them to keep each other safe, demanding they call the police. However, in slasher fashion, the phone lines were cut. Some parts are very basic and adhere to the slasher genre’s untold rules. I don’t care about all that. I don’t dissect movies; I enjoy them and enjoy writing about them.

The film was set in one area, much like Maximum Overdrive was. Only without trucks coming to life, and instead, they’re trapped in a diner with a serial killer, not even knowing who it is, and instead, they take drastic measures to keep that reward money. From then on, it becomes absolutely intense. Sure, you can see some of the scenes coming from a mile away. I think that made the film even more fun. It’s a sense of trust with the creator, and that they know the assignment and nail it.

In the End

Films like Takeout are often ignored. They slip below the radar for one reason or another. Either they didn’t enjoy it, or they won’t even give a Tubi original a chance in general. It is a sad state because they are missing so many great movies. I admit the first few Tubi originals weren’t great at all. However, I never sleep on a film; if the description catches my attention, I will give it at least five minutes.

I think all these armchair critics just look for the negative, while missing so many iconic horror movies, and yeah, I said it, and I mean it.