Eastern Shore native releases independent film

Pictured left: Take From Me’s official movie poster. Right: Cory Mason, raised on Chincoteague Island, and the film’s producer.

A Chincoteague native is making his mark on the independent film scene with the release of his first feature-length production. Take from Me, a suspenseful horror-thriller shot entirely in Virginia with an all-local cast and crew, will be released August 26 on Amazon and Fandango at Home.

The film’s producer, Cory Mason, grew up on the Eastern Shore and says the project reflects his deep appreciation for rural Virginia. Mason hopes to one day film a project in his hometown. “It’s my dream to bring a production to Chincoteague,” he said, adding that the island’s landscapes and community spirit would make a perfect backdrop for future stories.

Take from Me — also known as Love Dogs — follows John, a grieving local man, whose life is upended after selling his farmhouse to a mysterious young woman. When a town resident goes missing, the local police captain begins to suspect a sinister presence in the community.

The independently produced film has already earned critical acclaim, winning Best Picture at the Red Rose Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Alexandria Film Festival, and Best Actor honors at the Romford Horror Film Festival in the U.K.

After its August streaming debut, the film will also be released on Tubi on October 21, just in time for Halloween. Mason says the success of Take from Me was only possible because of support from Virginia communities and hopes it inspires more homegrown productions in the Commonwealth.

The film is rated R but will appear unrated on streaming services. It is intended for adult audiences. 

More information, including behind-the-scenes footage, is available at takefrommefilm.com.