20s Movie Review - Shelby Oaks

Director: Chris Stuckmann
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 91 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Camille Sullivan, Brendon Sextan III, Michael Beach, Sarah Durn, Keith David

Description: A woman's (Camille Sullivan) obsessive search for her missing sister (Sarah Durn) leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.

Review: “Shelby Oaks” is a solid and atmospheric debut film, in which the well-known YouTube film critic Chris Stuckmann proves he’s more than capable of making the transition from reviewer to filmmaker. The film excels particularly in its intense atmosphere.

The film combines found footage with a traditional mystery thriller. We follow Mia on her obsessive search for her sister Riley. Riley disappeared without a trace twelve years earlier while filming for a paranormal YouTube channel, “Paranormal Paranoids”. When new video footage surfaces, Mia becomes entangled in a dark mystery filled with occult elements.

Stuckmann excels at creating an ominous, oppressive atmosphere. The excellent sound design keeps the viewer constantly on the edge of their seat. With the help of producer Mike Flanaga, the film looks cinematographically impressive despite the modest budget. The mix of grainy faux-documentary footage and sleek Hollywood shots works surprisingly well.

Camille Sullivan carries the film and is completely convincing as the protagonist driven by the grief and despair. She reminded me of Essie Davis in “The Babadook”.

Stuckmann’s love for the genre is palpable, but the film leans just a bit too heavily on its sources of inspiration, such as “The Blair Witch Project” and “Lake Mungo”. And the finale feels rushed, even though I really loved the ending. But it does leave to many questions unanswered.

“Shelby Oaks” is not a revolutionary masterpiece, but it is a very good horror movie. I seriously don’t understand the low rating on IMDb. Stuckmann proves he has an eye for suspense and effective jump scares (not the cheap ones that are often used in modern horror). The film is a must-see for hardcore horror fans.

Rating: 3,5/ 5