Take Off (2017)

Take Off earns its wings by turning a true-event survival story into something bracingly human: a tense, clear-eyed drama that never forgets the faces behind the headlines. Its direction and screenplay keep the pressure steadily rising, balancing wartime dread with moments of quiet resilience, and Parvathy anchors the film with a performance that feels lived-in rather than “performed.” The vibe is gripping and realistic, the kind of thriller that tightens your chest while still making room for emotion and dignity. It’s not a light watch, but if you want a war-set story that respects its characters and leaves you shaken in the best way, this is worth the trip.

Take Off is trying to honor a real-life crisis by focusing on the fear, resilience, and moral pressure faced by Malayali nurses trapped in Iraq, and it largely plays as an earnest survival drama with war-thriller packaging. If you’re expecting a tight, edge-of-your-seat rescue thriller, the slow-burn first half and the film’s heavier lean into emotion over suspense may test your patience. Some plot choices and occasional CGI can feel a bit manufactured, which slightly undercuts the realism the story needs to truly hit hard. That said, the performances and intent are sincere, so it’s worth your time if you want a grounded human drama more than a pulse-pounding action ride.