YouTube film critic turned filmmaker Chris Stuckmann is bringing his long-anticipated supernatural horror feature, Shelby Oaks, to theaters this October — and fans of found-footage horror are eagerly awaiting its release. The movie marks Stuckmann’s directorial debut, blending psychological terror, missing persons mystery, and chilling paranormal elements into one of 2025’s most intriguing indie horrors.
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Shelby Oaks – Release Date and Platform
Shelby Oaks will have its U.S. theatrical release on October 24, 2025, distributed by Neon Studios. The film is also expected to become available for on-demand streaming later this winter, although no official digital date has been confirmed yet.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Shelby Oaks |
| Director & Writer | Chris Stuckmann |
| Genre | Supernatural Horror, Thriller |
| U.S. Theatrical Release | October 24, 2025 |
| Production Companies | Paper Street Pictures, Intrepid Pictures, Neon |
| Film Rating | R (for language, gore, and disturbing imagery) |
| Runtime | 102 minutes |
| Languages | English |
| World Premiere | Fantasia International Film Festival, July 2024 |
Chris Stuckmann, known for insightful YouTube reviews, crowdfunded the film through Kickstarter, where it became the most-funded horror movie project on the platform — raising over $1 million from fans and backers across the world.
Shelby Oaks Plot: A Chilling Descent into the Unknown
Shelby Oaks centers around Mia Brennan (played by Camille Sullivan), a woman haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance. Her sister Riley was part of a ghost-hunting team, The Paranormal Paranoids, who vanished 12 years ago while filming in the abandoned town of Shelby Oaks, Ohio.
As Mia investigates her sister’s last known location, she discovers distorted old footage, eerie voice recordings, and a shadowy presence tied to what Riley’s team encountered years earlier. Her investigation becomes an obsession as she realizes that the imaginary demons from their childhood may not have been imaginary after all.
Critics have described the movie as “a fusion of classic found-footage horror and modern psychological dread,” drawing comparisons to The Blair Witch Project and The Ring.
Shelby Oaks Cast: Meet the Characters
Nailing the balance between emotional realism and haunting mystery, the cast includes several acclaimed TV and indie film veterans.
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Camille Sullivan | Mia Brennan | The desperate sister determined to uncover what happened to Riley. |
| Sarah Durn | Riley Brennan | The missing paranormal investigator whose old recordings spark the story. |
| Brendan Sexton III | Robert Brennan | Mia’s husband, caught between rationality and his wife’s obsession. |
| Michael Beach | Detective Burke | The investigator who reopens the case after new evidence emerges. |
| Keith David | Morton Jacobson | A mysterious figure connected to the original Shelby Oaks incidents. |
| Robin Bartlett | Norma | A reclusive woman with ties to the ghost-hunting team. |
| Emily Bennett | Janet | An archivist who helps Mia interpret the supernatural clues. |
The performances, especially those of Sullivan and Durn, have been praised as emotionally raw yet understated — fitting for a suspense-driven slow burn.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Shelby Oaks
Stuckmann’s journey from film critic to director is as compelling as the movie itself. First teased in 2021, the project faced multiple delays due to union strikes and funding issues before being resurrected by fan support.
Key production details include:
- Executive Producer: Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep)
- Cinematography: Andrew Scott Baird, known for moody, atmospheric framing.
- Music: A synth-heavy, minimalist score by Swayze Howell that harks back to ’80s horror classics.
The movie premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival 2024, earning early praise for its unsettling visuals and emotional storytelling.
Trailer Breakdown
You can watch the official trailer here.
The trailer opens with crackling VHS-style footage showing Riley and her crew filming in the cursed ruins of Shelby Oaks. Mia’s narration overlays the imagery — her voice trembling as she admits she doesn’t recognize her sister anymore.
The distorted screams, shadowy figures, and flickering light effects promise a classic slow-burn horror rather than cheap jumpscares. The final scene teases a chilling figure lurking behind Mia in the dark, leaving fans to speculate over the entity’s true origin.
Early Buzz and Reception
Although it hasn’t yet released widely, Shelby Oaks screened to horror critics at Fantastic Fest 2025 in Austin, Texas.
- The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a deeply personal story wrapped in dread — a debut boiling with emotion and fear.”
- RogerEbert.com offered a mixed review, noting its “over-familiar tropes but commendable heart and tension.”
- On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently holds an initial critic approval rating of 71%, with several praising the realistic use of found-footage techniques.
Why Shelby Oaks Is a Must-Watch This Halloween
- True Indie Horror Energy: It’s a film made by fans, for fans, merging grassroots production with polished storytelling.
- Chris Stuckmann’s Directorial Leap: A fascinating transition from film reviewer to filmmaker.
- Found Footage Done Right: While paying homage to horror classics, Shelby Oaks adds emotional grounding and meta-commentary on obsession and belief.
For horror lovers seeking something serious, emotionally resonant, and genuinely spine-tingling, this one is worth your watchlist.
Official Sources
Internal Links for SEO
- Discover upcoming horror releases: TechnoSports Movies Section
- Explore directors reinventing classic horror: Cinematic Spotlight
FAQs
Q1: When will Shelby Oaks be released in theaters?
Shelby Oaks hits U.S. theaters on October 24, 2025, with international releases following through late October across Europe and Asia.
Q2: Is Shelby Oaks based on a true story?
No. While it draws inspiration from found-footage mythologies and paranormal legends, the story is entirely fictional — conceived by YouTuber and filmmaker Chris Stuckmann.
