Experiencing Interruptions?

It Takes from Within

An unnamed man and woman make preparations to attend a burial in a small, desolate town. After an intense argument separates the two, they find themselves isolated and unnerved. As the burial draws near they begin to experience disturbing, surreal incidents involving manifestations of dread and despair. Abstract dream-like sequences comprise the film, along with expressive cinematography, abrasive sound design, and minimal use of spoken dialogue. A brooding, atmospheric study of the human condition regarding loss, fear, and isolation, It Takes from Within is the debut feature film from writer/director Lee Eubanks.

  • Lee Eubanks
    Director
  • Lee Eubanks
    Writer
  • Carlos Silva
    Producer
  • James Feagin
    Key Cast
  • Kristin Duarte
    Key Cast
  • Jesse Ferraro
    Key Cast
  • Elizabeth James
    Key Cast
  • Gabriel Lopez
    Key Cast
  • Nancy McGalliard
    Key Cast
  • David Brownell
    Key Cast
  • Jason Crow
    Cinematography
  • D.L.E.I.I.
    Original Music and Sound Design
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 35 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 10, 2014
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.40
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 2016 Blowup Chicago International Film Festival
    Chicago
    United States
Distribution Information
  • First Run Features
    Country: United States
    Rights: Internet, Video / Disc
Director Biography - Lee Eubanks

Lee Eubanks began his passion for artistic creation with music, learning to play a variety of instruments at an early age. His obsession with movies began in high school upon finding a particular interest in personal films exploring the visual and aural possibilities of cinema. After writing and directing several award-winning short films, Lee focused on completing his debut feature 'It Takes from Within'.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I finished writing this film’s screenplay, I was still without a title. That night I had a dream where I was standing in a dark hallway, screaming into the darkness. I woke up and wrote down the words I had been screaming, which later became the title of this film.
While I’ve spent years trying to learn how to read and listen to the language of cinema, this feature is my first attempt to speak it. Many influences show themselves through the words I’ve learned- I repeat them back in my own accent. A love letter to 1960s cinema, the films that have shaped and changed the course of my life. I’ve selfishly chosen the film’s subject matter as a means of personal analysis and therapy. I don’t expect to find every answer I was looking for, that isn’t the point. I believe filmmaking should be more about exploring (cinematically and philosophically) and possibly finding certain questions that deserve asking. If answers are even possible they can be found in the viewing audience, specific to the individual and waiting to be discovered. Film just brings them to the surface. I hope you enjoy the search as much as I do.