ABOUT The Town That Takes

About the Film

The Town That Takes is a suspense thriller inspired by the enduring mystery surrounding the lost colony of Roanoke and the legend of Croatoan. The film follows Army veteran Dean Richardson as he travels to North Carolina following the death of his ex-wife and attempts to reconnect with his estranged son, Wyatt. What begins as a difficult road trip soon turns into a desperate search for survival when father and son become entangled in the secrets of a small town haunted by an ancient evil.

Blending mystery, folklore, supernatural horror, and emotional drama, The Town That Takes explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, family, and the lengths a parent will go to protect a child. Set against the backdrop of rural America, the film combines grounded characters with a chilling mythology rooted in one of the country's most enduring legends.

The Making of The Town That Takes

The project originated from filmmaker Britt Bankhead’s fascination with American folklore and unexplained historical mysteries. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Croatoan and the disappearance of the Roanoke colony, Bankhead sought to create a story that balanced supernatural horror with a deeply personal father-and-son journey.

The film was independently produced through Bankhead Productions and brought together a cast and crew committed to delivering a character-driven thriller on an independent scale. Rather than relying solely on jump scares or visual spectacle, the filmmakers focused on atmosphere, tension, and emotional stakes.

Filmed across locations that captured the isolation and mystery of the American South, The Town That Takes was designed to feel grounded and authentic while slowly introducing elements of myth and terror. The result is a story that functions both as a suspense thriller and as a meditation on loss, family, and redemption.

The Town That Takes will be in theaters 7.10.2026!