New Horror Film ‘Shelby Oaks’ Falls Short of Found-Footage Expectations

LOS ANGELES, CA – Chris Stuckmann‘s directorial debut, “Shelby Oaks,” attempts to revitalize the found-footage horror genre while exploring the disappearance of a young woman. Premiering on October 24, 2025, the film follows Mia (Camille Sullivan) as she searches for her sister Riley (Sarah Durn), a ghost hunter who mysteriously vanished while filming in an abandoned town.

The opening stretches of the film incorporate a mockumentary style that is gaining popularity in recent years, presenting itself as a documentary about the unsolved case of Riley’s disappearance and the tragic fate of her paranormal investigation crew. Over a decade after the incident, Mia is still determined to uncover what happened, particularly after a visitor provides her with new evidence.

“I’ve always believed Riley was still out there,” Mia expresses during an interview segment, which sets the emotional tone for her quest. The film captures an unsettling atmosphere as it portrays the chilling details surrounding Riley’s crew, including their grisly fate in a remote cabin.

Stuckmann, known for his film critiques on YouTube, attempts to weave together elements of horror and suspense, drawing on influences from past genre greats. The film boasts some strong moments early on, creating tension through clever camera work and evocative settings. However, critics note that the film’s narrative loses steam as it strays from its initial mock documentary concept.

As Mia ventures deeper into Darke County, the film awkwardly shifts away from the documentary roots, succumbing to traditional horror tropes and lacking originality. Some viewers may find the jump scares predictable, as Stuckmann relies heavily on familiar conventions, which detracts from the film’s originality.

Critics have pointed out that while “Shelby Oaks” showcases Stuckmann’s enthusiasm for horror, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling storyline. The dialogue sometimes comes off as generic, and the characters remain underdeveloped, leaving little for audiences to invest in emotionally.

The presence of horror veteran Mike Flanagan as executive producer creates expectations for a richer narrative. However, the film struggles to transcend its derivative elements and develop a unique voice within the saturated horror landscape.

Despite its shortcomings, “Shelby Oaks” displays flashes of potential. Critics express that Stuckmann’s love for the genre is apparent in the film’s early execution and creativity, suggesting that with further refinement, he could deliver a better horror experience in the future.