Shelby Oaks Review
Whenever a YouTuber becomes a director of a horror film, it really feels like a blessing in disguise as it allows us to support someone we’ve grown up with. For example, the Philippou brothers, best known in the online space as RackaRacka, have continuously given us terrifying films with Talk To Me and, recently, Bring Her Back. Other YouTubers, like The Backrooms creator Kane Pixels and even Markiplier, are also digging into that space with their upcoming movies. Although it may be unorthodox for a critic to divulge into filmmaking, Chris Stuckmann has made his voice loud and clear with Shelby Oaks, a truly captivating horror-thriller of a debut.
Shelby Oaks sees Mia (Camille Sullivan) trying to search for her sister Riley (Sarah Durn), recognized as a famous host of a paranormal investigation show. When Riley and her friends mysteriously go missing, Mia goes into a rabbit hole of supernatural phenomena and demonology. However, when Mia discovers that a demon, once believed to be an imaginary thing from her childhood, is real, Mia must do what she can to find Riley before it’s too late.
The most unique thing about Shelby Oaks has to be its narrative structure, where Stuckmann tries to incorporate multiple different horror formats to build his story. The first act is heavily inspired by The Blair Witch Project as it uses this blend of found footage and documentary-style storytelling to give us all the exposition we need.
It does help also build a bit of that uneasiness going into the second act, which is more straightforward as it takes us back into a third-person perspective. In a way, the second act feels more like an Insidious-inspired mystery-thriller pull when Mia decides to travel to the one place that’s influenced this film’s narrative. Still, it did make me think the entire film was just “found footage”, so this change in style did work.
The entirety of Shelby Oaks is heavily carried on Sullivan’s incredible performance as Mia. The way that Sullivan holds onto Mia’s pain and desperation to connect the pieces together only to have others doubt her was very compelling. However, when the film starts to get more action-focused and supernaturally inclined, Sullivan puts so much emphasis on Mia’s determination where it starts to feel emotionally right by the climax. Sullivan proves herself to be a force to be reckoned with in every scene.
Although, there are a few aspects of Mia’s character that felt underdeveloped, particularly with Mia’s relationship with her husband, Robert (Brendan Sexton III). While it’s clear that Shelby Oaks only included Robert to be that grounded anchor to keep Mia sane, the film only gives him a brief amount of time to give him any depth. So, when he does make his on-screen return, it didn’t feel as satisfying as it should’ve been.
However, Shelby Oaks does love its set design and score, which come together to create these very haunting environments for Mia. The staining black rot really makes every deteriorating location, from a disgusting old cabin to a gothic castle of a prison, contain an aura of ethereal terror that you know is always looming. Additionally, the music, on behalf of James Burkholder and The Newton Brothers, makes each lingering scene with Mia stingy, yet compelling. Both of these elements fully ease you into the moment just right.
Chris Stuckmann’s Shelby Oaks is an ambitious undertaking in the supernatural-horror space that works due to its amazing lead performance from Camille Sullivan, unique storytelling form, and brooding tonal aesthetics. Stuckmann’s directorial debut will certainly be one to remember for the horror genre’s history books.
Shelby Oaks premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025 and releases in theaters on October 24.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.