NOW ON VOD! The most common method for characters in movies to deal with grief is through alcoholism and/or drugs. It’s an often-used trope for a reason: humans are fragile, and addiction adds to drama (besides depression being tough to show visually, besides moping around). When you mix in a supernatural element, it ups the ante and can take a story to a whole different level.
First time writer/director West Eldredge’s ultra-low budget (reportedly under 80k) indie film Take From Me, (formerly titled: Love Dogs), is a slow-burn thriller/horror about a grieving alcoholic named John (Ethan McDowell) who meets a mysterious woman who goes by Elizabeth (Kyla Diane Kennedy) among other names, while the local police captain Abe (Dwayne A. Thomas) is trying to solve a strange disappearance.
We meet scruffy-faced John at a local bar and learn through a series of flashbacks that he used to be a loving, clean-shaven family man. The alluring Elizabeth owns John’s old farmhouse now, but John still likes to work on it out of care for the home and its rich, over a hundred-year-old history. The pair are drawn to each other, but John soon learns that Elizabeth has some deep, dark secrets of her own.
The mystery of the missing local person that Captain Abe is searching for is all tied in. There’s a cat-and-mouse aspect to it, influenced by films such as Arrival, Let the Right One In, and Blue Ruin. Where the story ultimately goes is not what I was expecting, but I found it to be a welcome, intriguing surprise.
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“…a grieving alcoholic named John…meets a mysterious woman…”
The start of the film reminds me of 1970s flicks, where they would take the time to slowly build up the tension. Once the big mystery reveal happens, Eldredge has some fun playing with the tropes of another well-worn genre, adding some unique twists and wrinkles to it. It’s a promising debut by West Eldredge and his crew, such as DP Kenny Keeler and composer Edward Lyle Barton, especially considering the budget. The beautiful small town, creepy atmosphere (on any kind of budget, but especially this one), definitely shows a lot of skill.
This cast is pitch-perfect, with exceptional performances by the lead trio of McDowell, Kennedy, and Thomas. Ethan McDowell sells the depression and pain so well, and the longing to have a human connection again, once he meets Elizabeth. The chemistry between Kyla Diane Kennedy is essential to the movie, which they pull off swimmingly. Likewise, for McDowell with Dwayne A. Thomas, because it feels like they have known each other forever in this town.
The themes of grief and longing for a connection are universal ones, so it’s easy to relate to John. Even when he makes what may seem to be poor decisions in Take From Me, you can at least understand why (besides the obvious attraction aspect to Elizabeth).
This is a true gem of a low-budget supernatural thriller that you should hop on the train for now before it’s known as a cult classic. These characters are endlessly compelling, so much so that it feels like I could watch sequels to this film all day long based on the performances and atmosphere alone. Take From Me shows the toll that losing loved ones can have, but also that you can find some kind of solace in the unlikeliest of places.
"…This is a true gem of a low-budget supernatural thriller that you should hop on the train for now before it’s known as a cult classic."
