What Is Take the 10 About?
The premise of Take the 10 in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, a health‑food‑themed supermarket becomes the unlikely backdrop for a story about ordinary lives on the edge of something larger. The aisles hum with the chatter of shoppers and the low‑key rhythm of a city that never quite sleeps, while the neon glow of street signs hints at a world just beyond the checkout lanes. It is a place where routine is both a comfort and a cage, setting the stage for an unexpected diversion that promises more than the daily grind.
Chris is a magnetic presence, a quick‑witted dealer whose charm masks a restless drive to seize every opportunity that crosses his path. Opposite him, Chester manages the store with small‑town earnestness, dreaming of a distant future in Brazil and clinging to the modest stability his job provides. Their friendship is a study in contrast: one lives for the moment, the other maps out a hopeful horizon. Yet beneath the banter and occasional clashes lies a genuine bond that keeps each grounded, even as their ambitions pull them in different directions.
When a vibrant hip‑hop concert flashes onto the city’s radar, the duo finds themselves pulled into a night of loud beats, bright lights, and a chaotic energy that feels both intoxicating and unsettling. The concert becomes more than a diversion; it is a crucible where the rhythm of the music mirrors the heartbeat of their friendship, prompting them to confront choices they’ve long avoided. In this electric atmosphere, the stakes feel higher, the allure stronger, and the question of how far each is willing to go begins to surface, setting the tone for a journey that balances humor, tension, and the pulse of urban life.
What Happens in Take the 10?
The complete story of Take the 10, from the first scene to the last, in 545 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
In a health food-themed supermarket set in Los Angeles, two best friends, Chris and Chester, find themselves grappling with the tiresome realities of their dead-end jobs. Their personalities clash as Chris embraces the present, while Chester dreams of a brighter future in Brazil.
As Chester prepares to meet Carlo, a prospective buyer for his cherished 90s Corolla, he requests Chris to take over his register duties. Unbeknownst to Chester, Carlo has sketchy intentions, and his associate Paco is lurking in the trunk with an automatic weapon ready for action. When an unexpected drive-by occurrence disrupts their plans, Chester becomes embroiled in a violent gang conflict, leading him to make a daring escape on foot.
Meanwhile, Chris’s day takes a bizarre turn when his diabetic brother Johnny, orchestrates a prank that unexpectedly goes viral. Seizing the moment, Chris manages to snatch two tickets and plans a rendezvous with Jay Morrison, a notorious scalper. However, Chris’s intentions are far from noble as he devises a scheme to steal Jay’s stash of drugs.
Tension escalates within the supermarket as manager Danny, who is deep in gambling debts to Jay, feels the pressure mounting to repay $3,000. In a desperate attempt to avoid violence, Danny resorts to clearing out a register, but soon finds himself confronted by Chester about the missing money, leading to a heated confrontation.
Just as the chaos intensifies, Mr. Winters from divisional management unexpectedly shows up to oversee operations for the next two weeks. With Brooke briefing him and Danny about the register discrepancies, it is revealed that Chris has caused an $800 shortfall while covering for Chester. Realizing that he, too, could be caught on camera committing theft, Danny suddenly finds himself cornered by two undercover LAPD officers, who force him into a reluctant alliance to catch Jay.
When Jay bursts through the front door, his wrath escalates as Chris’s crafty maneuvering becomes evident. He launches a heated insult toward Sahara, branding her as a “thot,” which promptly earns him a hard slap in return. This confrontation breeds a fiery exchange, ultimately leading to a breakdown in their relationship. Shortly thereafter, Jay spots Chris and Chester joyriding on the highway, aimlessly vandalizing a recently restored vehicle.
The duo soon hitchhikes to a concert venue where they are joined by Sahara and her friend. Despite holding valid tickets, their excitement is dashed by the sold-out status of the event. However, their determination leads them to scale the perimeter fence, cleverly gaining access. Inside the venue, Chester pressures Chris into revealing the truth behind his shady dealings. Jay, furious about the ticket incident and the stolen moonrocks, confronts them in the restroom but is quickly taken down by Chester’s swift kick.
The following morning, the group heads back to LA with Sahara and Carmen in tow. Chris hands Chester a hefty amount of $1,000, earned from selling their lunar loot. Later that day, Jay visits Danny at the supermarket but is promptly arrested by the LAPD. In a twist of fate, they return with Winters and Brooke, brandishing evidence that links Danny to the theft of $1,800. Meanwhile, Carlo and Paco face their own downfall for their part in an auto theft, and Chester prepares to leave for Brazil, leaving behind the chaos that has unfolded.
Take the 10 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Chester's Job Troubles” to “Chester's Departure for Brazil”. 15 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Chester's Job Troubles
Chris and Chester, two best friends, work together in a health food-themed supermarket in Los Angeles. They frequently clash over their differing outlooks on life, with Chester dreaming of better opportunities abroad while Chris is content with their current circumstances.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 2
Meeting with Carlo
Chester prepares to meet Carlo, a buyer interested in his prized 90s Corolla. He asks Chris to cover for him at the register, unknowingly stepping into a situation with hidden dangers as Carlo and his associate Paco are not as innocent as they appear.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 3
Gang Conflict Erupts
As the meeting unfolds, a sudden drive-by shooting occurs, pulling Chester into the midst of a violent gang dispute. In a panic, he makes a daring escape on foot to avoid the escalating chaos.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 4
Johnny's Prank Goes Viral
Meanwhile, Chris's diabetic brother, Johnny, orchestrates a prank that unwittingly captures the public's attention, going viral. Capitalizing on the attention, Chris envisions a plan to procure concert tickets through a shady scalper named Jay.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 5
Danny's Gambling Issues
The supermarket manager, Danny, finds himself under pressure due to gambling debts owed to Jay, the scalper. Desperate to avoid violence from Jay, he tries to clear a register of cash but soon confronts Chester about the missing money.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 6
Mr. Winters' Arrival
Mr. Winters from divisional management arrives unexpectedly to oversee operations at the supermarket. During a briefing with Danny and Brooke, it comes to light that Chris caused an $800 shortfall while covering for Chester, escalating the tension.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 7
Undercover LAPD Involvement
As Danny tries to navigate the fallout from the register discrepancies, he is confronted by two undercover LAPD officers. They force Danny into an unwilling alliance to help catch the troubled scalper Jay.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 8
Confrontation with Jay
Jay storms into the supermarket, furious about the unfolding events. A heated exchange with Chris ensues, culminating in Chris's insult to Sahara, which leads to a physical altercation between them.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 9
Joyriding Consequences
Following the chaos, Chris and Chester decide to go joyriding. Their reckless behavior catches the attention of Jay, leading to a confrontation as they vandalize a restored vehicle during their escapade.
Where:Highway near Los Angeles
- 10
Concert Venue Debacle
The duo manages to hitchhike to a concert venue where they meet Sahara and her friend. Despite having tickets, they are thwarted by a sold-out sign, prompting them to scale the fence for access, demonstrating their determination.
Where:Concert Venue, Los Angeles
Show the other 5 events of Take the 10 Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Truth Revealed in the Restroom
Inside the concert venue, tension rises as Chester pressures Chris for the truth behind his shady dealings. The confrontation escalates when Jay finds them and confronts Chris about their earlier actions.
Where:Restroom at Concert Venue
- 12
Returning to LA
The following morning, Chris, Chester, and their companions return to Los Angeles. Chester hands Chris a significant sum of money from their lunar heist, marking a surprising turn of events.
Where:LA Area
- 13
Danny's Arrest
Jay unexpectedly visits Danny at the supermarket, but his plans are thwarted when he is arrested by the LAPD. This dramatic turn of events puts an end to the tumultuous cycle of theft and conflict at the supermarket.
Where:Health Food Supermarket, Los Angeles
- 14
Consequences for Carlo and Paco
Carlo and Paco face their own demise as they are apprehended for their involvement in auto theft. Their downfall mirrors the chaos that has unfolded throughout the day, encapsulating the film's themes of consequence.
Where:Los Angeles
- 15
Chester's Departure for Brazil
In the aftermath of the chaos, Chester prepares to leave for Brazil, seeking a fresh start away from the tumult of their recent experiences. His departure signifies the end of their tumultuous journey and the hope for a better future.
Where:Los Angeles
Who Are the Main Characters in Take the 10?
4 characters, among them Chris, Chester and Danny: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- C
Chris
Chris is a carefree and impulsive character who embraces the present, often ignoring the consequences of his actions. His lack of foresight leads him into increasingly chaotic scenarios, particularly in his dealings with drugs and ticket schemes.
- 😅 Carefree
- 🎲 Impulsive
- 💔 Unfaithful
- C
Chester
Chester is the dreamer of the duo, longing for a better life in Brazil. He grapples with the harsh realities of his current situation, making decisions that entangle him in a violent gang conflict, highlighting his struggle between fantasy and reality.
- 🌍 Dreamer
- 💥 Conflict
- 😟 Frustrated
- D
Danny
Danny, the supermarket manager, represents the pressure of financial responsibilities and the lengths one may go to avoid violence. His gambling debts push him into a corner, forcing him to make desperate decisions that affect those around him.
- 💰 Debt
- 😠 Desperate
- 👔 Manager
- J
Jay
Jay is the antagonist who represents the darker side of ambition and greed. His reaction to the chaos creates a palpable tension, serving as a reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior and betrayal.
- 💣 Antagonist
- 🔫 Aggressive
- 😡 Enforcer
Where and When Is Take the 10 Set?
Take the 10 is set in Los Angeles and health food-themed supermarket. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie's events occur in contemporary times as characters grapple with modern societal pressures, such as job dissatisfaction and the pursuit of quick wealth. This time period reflects the challenges faced by young adults navigating financial struggles and the desire for escape.
Where
Los Angeles, health food-themed supermarket
The film unfolds in a health food-themed supermarket set in Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant culture and bustling lifestyle. This specific setting blends the mundanity of daily grocery shopping with a backdrop of chaotic events, highlighting the contrast between routine life and unexpected turmoil.
- 🛒 Supermarket
- 🌴 Los Angeles
What Are the Themes of Take the 10?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Job Struggles, Chaos and Violence and Friendship.
-
01
Job Struggles
A central theme of the movie revolves around the frustrations of dead-end jobs and unfulfilled aspirations. Chris and Chester's experiences reflect the challenges many face in trying to find purpose and success in a society that often prioritizes monetary gain over personal happiness.
-
02
Chaos and Violence
The film intricately weaves a narrative of unexpected violence that erupts amidst seemingly trivial events. This theme is illustrated through the gang conflict and escalating tensions, emphasizing how quickly everyday life can devolve into pandemonium.
-
03
Friendship
Friendship is put to the test as Chris and Chester navigate their contrasting desires and the impact of their actions on each other. Their bond is both strengthened and strained by the chaotic experiences of the day, showcasing the complexities of relationships in times of adversity.
What Kind of Film Is Take the 10?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, chaotic buddy comedy that feels like a wild ride through a single day of misadventures, blending high-stakes, low-consequence crime with the energy of a hip-hop concert and the humor of workplace absurdity.
- chaotic
- energetic
- mischievous
- comical
- tense
- streetwise
- friendship
- dead-end jobs
- petty crime
- drug dealing
Content notes: gun violence, drug dealing.
Quiz
How well do you remember Take the 10? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Take the 10
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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