Now streaming on Prime Video, Scott Adkins’ latest action-thriller, **Take Cover**, is a vivid portrayal of survival in the face of relentless danger. The film’s tight narrative captures how a hitman and his spotter find themselves trapped in a penthouse while a skilled sniper targets them from a nearby building. The film is directed by Nick McKinless and produced by Signature Entertainment. The tension escalates as the characters transition from prepared assassins to desperate survivors, forcing viewers to remain on the edge of their seats.
We caught up with Romanian actress **Madalina Bellariu Ion**, who portrays Mona, one of the film’s intriguing characters. In this article, we delve into her experience in **Take Cover** and her upcoming vampire thriller, **Drained**.
Mona, who initially appears as a professional masseuse, diversifies into a fortune teller, offering palm readings that serve a dual purpose in the film. This interesting twist on her character adds depth to the unfolding chaos in the penthouse. “Palms never lie,” she states, which foreshadows her intuitive understanding of the weight each character carries.
As the sniper attacks unfold, the film’s luxurious penthouse transforms into a battleground where survival instincts clash with individual motivations. Mona’s character complexity is reflected in her deep-rooted resentment towards killers, particularly as she grapples with her feelings towards Sam, portrayed by Scott Adkins. This conflict introduces significant tension, and it’s only through struggle that her perspective shifts, shedding light on the human experience beneath the mercenary façade.
One of the most fascinating aspects of filming **Take Cover** was its single-set location. Despite the logistical advantages, where time spent commuting between sets is eliminated, the production faced unique challenges. When asked about the process, Ion reflected on the difficulties of not having time to rehearse in the space designed for the film before shooting began.
“We had to adapt on the fly,” Ion explains, encapsulating the essence of creativity in filmmaking. The pressures of an intense shooting schedule often lead to unforeseen hurdles; however, the professionalism of the crew ensured that they managed to create an engaging atmosphere. Director Nick McKinless encouraged exploration and improvisation, which ultimately contributed to authentic performances.
The confined setting demanded inventive shooting techniques, seamlessly blending gunplay and hand-to-hand combat, resulting in a gripping cinematic experience resilient in its simplicity. This kind of location shooting was particularly beneficial for Scott Adkins, known for his dynamic fight scenes, allowing his skills to shine amid the chaos.
Describing her on-screen partnership with Scott Adkins, Ion conveyed admiration for his dedication and generosity as a scene partner. Their rapport not only added tension but also grounded the emotional stakes in their shared scenes. “He was always there to feed me lines when needed, making it easier to maintain emotional intensity,” Ion remarked, underscoring the importance of chemistry between actors in action films.
Despite the limitations placed on her character due to the narrative, Ion eagerly highlights her two standout action moments in **Take Cover**. Though Mona is not a combatant in the traditional sense, the film crafts an environment ripe for meaningful engagement.
In addition to her work in **Take Cover**, Ion looks forward to her role in the British vampire romance **Drained**, directed by Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin. This film sees her as Rhea, a mysterious vampire entwined with a postgraduate artist named Thomas, whose desire for a toxic yet intoxicating relationship irrevocably alters his life.
“I was drawn to Rhea’s emotional complexity,” she shares, describing the character as both alluring and tragically isolated. The film skillfully intersperses themes of addiction within a romantic framework, making it a contemporary exploration of relationships filled with peril.
Ion’s affinity for genres that encourage breadth of creative expression is evident. “I would love to delve deeper into fantasy roles,” she remarked. As she wraps up filming for the fifth season of **Grace** for ITV, her eagerness for future projects suggests a bright horizon ahead.
Madalina Bellariu Ion’s experiences embody the creative process inherent in filmmaking, illustrating both the constraints and liberties actors encounter in their craft. Be it through action-packed sequences or the haunting allure of vampire tales, her performances entice audiences to engage with the characters’ psychological landscapes. As both **Take Cover** and **Drained** position her as a versatile actress, it will be exciting to witness her continued evolution in the industry. As she deftly navigates between genres, Ion stands poised to leave a lasting impact on the cinematic world, encouraging viewers to explore the many facets of storytelling.