The Town That Takes

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The Town That Takes

Jul 2026

1h 33m

Horror

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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2 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, travels to North Carolina after the sudden death of his ex-wife. Following the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word "CROATOAN." After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. As veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears. Forced into an uneasy alliance with O'Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim. Inspired by the American legend of CROATOAN, The Town That Takes is a supernatural horror thriller about grief, redemption, and the terrifying consequences of confronting the unknown.

Jonita Davis

The Black Cape (Medium)

Jul 18

Lovers of the skinwalker legends and films about such will love the unique slant that The Town That Takes puts on the legend. It's also an action-packed and horrifying story about familial ties beyond DNA and surviving the worst together.

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Abbie Bernstein

Assignment X

Jul 17

It’s tough to get around the mounting incoherence that saps The Town That Takes of its initial momentum.

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Shane F

@ShaneF1990 Jul 13

The Town That Takes is a gripping supernatural thriller that blends mystery, folklore, and emotional drama into a suspenseful ride. Britt Bankhead delivers a compelling performance as a haunted Army veteran determined to save his son, while Grace Patterson brings intelligence and heart to Detective St. Clair. Miles Mussenden is a standout as Detective Douglas O’Shea, grounding the story with both strength and humanity. With eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and a mystery that keeps unfolding until the final moments, The Town That Takes is an ambitious indie thriller that’s well worth watching.

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Christina A

@Senioraudience1234 Jul 13

It is scary but it does not seem to come together! To many loose not connected horror build up which makes the end not make sense. At the end I was still not sure who the horror people were and how they got there? I do not understand how the name of the film is related to the evil horror group.

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Steve S

@Skater22 Jul 12

Great little Indy horror. Acting was really excellent. The cop who played O’shay was fantastic. Loved the way it opened by building the suspense and then took a big action turn as the movie progressed. As far as lower budget horrors go, this was top tier. Def worth a watch!

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Hannah S

@RT18189628 Jul 12

This was the shittiest movie i’ve ever watched in my entire life. What was even the plot. i don’t understand what was going on. the acting is the worst ive seen out of every movie ive watched in my entire life. waste of time, do not watch, i would rather watch paint dry than watch another second of this movie. also what’s with the whole native american thing at the end kinda weird tbh. 0/10 stars

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Britt Bankhead

Director

Britt Bankhead

Dean Richardson

Miles Mussenden

Douglas O'Shea

Grace Patterson

St Clair

Mike Markoff

Adams

Nico Tirozzi

Wyatt Richardson

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The Town That Takes: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, travels to North Carolina after the sudden death of his ex-wife. Following the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word "CROATOAN." After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. As veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears. Forced into an uneasy alliance with O'Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim. Inspired by the American legend of CROATOAN, The Town That Takes is a supernatural horror thriller about grief, redemption, and the terrifying consequences of confronting the unknown.

Director: Britt Bankhead
Screenwriter: Britt Bankhead, Jon Blaze
Distributor: Atlas Distribution Company
Production Co: Bankhead Productions
Genre: Horror, Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 10, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 33m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1