For our latest feature of October 2025, we spoke with Camille Sullivan who stars in NEON’s new horror film, Shelby Oaks from writer-director Chris Stuckmann. Released in theaters on October 24, Shelby Oaks follows Mia’s (Sullivan) desperate search for her long-lost sister Riley (Sarah Durn). But the search soon turns into obsession after Mia realizes that the imaginary demon from their childhood may have been real after all.
Camille shares with us her on-set experiences, what she thought when she first read the Shelby Oaks script, and more.
What did you first notice when you read the script for Shelby Oaks?
Camille: I was struck by the strength of the relationships and the strength of the character of Mia, who hasn’t given up hope, regardless of all the time that has passed, and regardless of everyone telling her that she is a fool to keep hoping. So, I was struck by the love at the core of the movie and how it drives every scene in it.
What were some of the conversations with Chris Stuckmann like before getting to set?
Camille: The conversations were mostly about character motivation and the relationship between Mia and Riley, and the history leading up to the start of the film. And then once the film started and we started shooting, the conversations about specific scenes in general happened more on set, unless I had a question beforehand when I reached out to him. But generally, it was on the day of each scene.
Photo by Kristine Cofsky
Are there any funny moments that happened on-set that you can share?
Camille: We were filming in the old prison, The Shawshank Redemption prison, and it was nighttime, and I had to run down this catwalk. So I’m running, and there’s nothing at the end and there’s no lights. As I get to the end, I’m just coming into the total darkness and I hear “no, no, no, no, no, no.” And I’m like, “what, like, is anyone there?” And then I hear a voice go, “it’s just me.” And I have no idea who it is, so I’m thinking, that’s a ghost. I asked around and nobody was there. So, I started to get pretty freaked out. But eventually, I did find out it was one of the PAs. But for about an hour, I was pretty convinced that I had seen a ghost there or at least experienced one.
What has the reception been like for you since the Fantastic Fest premiere leading up to the theatrical release?
Camille: The reception to the movie has been unbelievably positive. People are so enthusiastic about it. They love it. They find it scary; they find it moving. They are so complimentary with my performance, I’m embarrassed by just how complimentary. It’s been really wonderful.
Shelby Oaks is playing in theaters.
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