R/Horror/91 Mins
Directed & Written by: Chris Stuckmann
Starring: Camille Sullivan, Sarah Durn, Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Robin Bartlett, Derek Mears and Keith David
Review: As I sat in the theater, watching the debut film from my favorite YouTube film critic, someone who inspired me to become a critic myself, knowing the long road Shelby Oaks has endured to be playing on the big screen in front of me…this was a special experience. I’ve been a fan of film critic-turned-filmmaker Chris Stuckmann’s YouTube channel for over 10 years. If I was in the high school cafeteria or in between my college courses, his videos were constantly on rotation in my phone screen. It was just a guy who loves movies, talking about movies, whose true passion was to make one someday. So instantly, I related to him. I still do.
Like I mentioned before, Shelby Oaks had a long road to get to cinemas. Initially a film that was funded through Kickstarter it was simply an indie production consisting of mostly a lesser-known cast and crew shooting on a small budget with limited resources. In came film distributor Neon (a company that has been absolutely killing it in the horror game thus far), who increased the production budget, granted additional photography and added more visual effects to help refine Stuckmann’s vision to the highest quality possible. From being originally filmed in 2022, and its post production lasting until earlier this year, Shelby Oaks endured a lot to get to the bloody finish line.
Being in the position of a film critic reviewing their favorite film critic’s debut film was a little nerve wracking. I had high hopes but there was the worrying feeling of it possibly not living up to those expectations. No matter the quality, I would still be proud of Chris and this massive achievement. Well I’m glad to report that Stuckmann stuck (pun intended) the landing and has crafted a nerve-shredding horror experience that scared the absolute shit out of me…
Shelby Oaks starts off with the mysterious disappearance of the Paranormal Paranoids, a group of paranormal investigators who post their investigations on YouTube. This occurred back in 2008. All that police found was one of possible two video cameras with footage that made their disappearance even more disturbing and inexplicable. Years later, Mia, the older sister of Riley (the leader of the Paranoids), is still searching for answers, hoping her little sister is somewhere out there. After an unexpected and shocking turn of events, she is finally given a crucial clue as to what exactly happened all those years ago: the tape from the second camera. Leading her back to the ghost town of Shelby Oaks, she’ll unravel a mystery that has ties that go back further before Riley’s disappearance…all the way to their childhood.
Introducing all the characters, their history and the inciting incident take the form of a true crime documentary. Right away, you’re just riveted with only the crumbs of the mystery given to you, unaware this goes deeper and the truth is even more horrifying. I immediately clocked the Lake Mungo influences (a fictional horror documentary that is also worth checking out) in terms of atmosphere and grounded naturalism of the subjects. Having a whole channel of videos on YouTube, it helps to know what films Stuckmann is a fan of and where he picked certain influences/visual references to use in his own filmmaking. Another example are the Paranormal Paranoids’ YouTube videos. Those really brought a feeling of The Blair Witch Project to its aesthetic. However, the film is not entirely in this format because before you know it, you’re immediately given a storytelling format whiplash to a more cinematic approach. That is where the film REALLY starts off with a bang…
Shifting into cinematic mode, this is where Stuckmann’s unique vision starts to take center stage. Cinematographer Andrew Scott Baird and Stuckmann did a great job with clean cinematography relying on moody lighting that gives the film a warm but sinister atmosphere (a favorite visual/scene in particular takes place in an old home in the woods). Visually, it gave hints of Mike Flanagan (also an Executive Producer on Shelby Oaks) and Osgood Perkins while also showcasing his own voice. They also utilized negative space in a very effective way. Having someone in frame with a lot of space on a certain side or above them, it builds up terror that you’re going to see a haunting image lurking in the back. In some cases there was, and even when I thought there was, I was just seeing things that weren’t there. Great job, Shelby Oaks, you made me paranoid for almost the entire run time!
Working hand in hand with the visuals is the incredible score by James Burkholder and The Newton Brothers. Oaks uses its score to its maximum effect adding tension to the horror yet it knows when to pull back to let the silence do the haunting. Some of the best scares rely on the absence of sound.
You got the scares, you got an interesting story and helping bring that together is the emotional anchor of the sisterhood between Mia and Riley. Camille Sullivan is fantastic as Mia. She brings such an empathetic, heart wrenching and sorrowful performance. One standout scene in particular is Mia watching a horrific videotape on her tv. The camera keeps cutting back to her and the tv but also lets it linger on her face and you see the raw emotions conveying what words cannot. Sarah Durn as Riley is also incredible. Like Mia, she brings a vulnerability to the role. Yet countering her sister with a sense of innocence and warmness as a person who unfortunately had a dark fate laid out for her.
About the only issue I had with Shelby Oaks are minor nitpicks about the third act. While engaging and insane, it did feel just a bit rushed but it did reach a destination that felt final and satisfying. I do wish there was a bit more explanation behind some of the more sinister forces at play. Yet, if it was fully revealed, it might have made it feel less terrifying, like the “Jaws Effect”. Less is sometimes more.
As a first feature, Chris Stuckmann has presented us a hell of a calling card and I can only see him grow and evolve as a filmmaker. I can not wait to see the next film he creates. Like Stuckmann, I didn’t go to film school. Watching movies and talking about movies was our film school. He mentioned recently about how he hopes Shelby Oaks will be a film that could inspire young filmmakers to get out there and make movies. As a film critic who aspires to make a full length feature someday, this just adds to the drive. Now I’m going to stop writing this review, finish writing my script and pick up a camera. Score: 9/10
Shelby Oaks starts sneak previews on October 23rd and in theaters EVERYWHERE October 24th. Link to showtimes HERE: https://www.shelbyoaks.film/
