Aaron Ploof
Very often in my free time, I browse the channels of YouTube. My most watched content consists of board games videos. I do, however, also watch movie reviews. Out of everyone I watch, Chris Stuckmann is at the top. He brings with him a positive energy and an enthusiastic attitude that’s easy to see. Although there has been some controversy surrounding his tendency to review only movies he enjoys, I still eagerly await each entry in his series.
Back in July of 2021, Stuckmann announced that he would be directing an original, independent horror film, Shelby Oaks. He launched a Kickstarter for the movie on March 1st of 2022. The project quickly became the most successful horror film Kickstarter at $650,000 and reached $1,000,000 mark at 11,200 backers on March 25, 2022.
After several hiccups along his journey, Stuckmann has finally released his film. It comes with some serious name power, as Mike Flannagan of Oculus and The Haunting of Hill House fame is executive producing. Does Stuckmann’s film match the pedigree that this backing would suggest?
Horror Debut
For the most part, yes. Stuckmann’s debut is a worthwhile entry into the horror canon, even if it does have its weaknesses. The movie succeeds at hooking audiences, drawing you into its mysterious and horrific world. Although the second half of the film fails to sustain strong writing, the movie still hits home.
The film opens in documentary style, chronicling the disappearance of Riley Brennan (Sarah Durn). Riley was the host of a YouTube channel called Paranormal Paranoids along with her friends: Laura Tucker (Caisey Cole), David Reynolds (Eric Francis Melaragni), and Peter Bailey (Anthony Baldasare). The group’s last location was known to be the small, abandoned, supposedly haunted town of Shelby Oaks. While the bodies of Laura, David, and Peter were found, Riley’s remains missing. A recording of her last few known moments features her in a state of extreme paranoia and dread, deathly afraid for her life. A figure can be spotted in the window behind her.
The main interviewee for this doc is Riley’s sister, Mia (Camille Sullivan). Mia has spent the last 12 years searching for Riely and hoping for her survival. The disappearance of her sister as well as the reappearance of Riley’s friends’ bodies has led to trouble in her marriage to her husband, Robert (Brendan Sexton III). To exacerbate their troubles, the two partners have been unable to conceive the child that Mia desperately desires.
One day, a certain unexpected, haunting event propels Mia forward into her investigation, and she makes the fateful decision to visit Shelby Oaks to search for her sister.
Split Styles
The first part of the movie (before the opening credits) is fantastic. I was immediately intrigued by the mystery surrounding Riley’s vanishing and whether or not she would be found. Although not particularly scary, the opening did carry a spooky under tone. After the credits rolled, the movie shifted into what you would regularly expect from a film.
The production quality found here is impressive, especially for a director’s first take at a feature film. Lighting, sound design, color, it’s all top quality. The cinematography is also skillfully done. Stuckmann knows how to handle a camera.
The acting is wholly believable, with Sullivan delivering a convincing and haunting performance. The large majority of the film is told from her point of view, with her alone, only reacting to the ghastly and eerie sights onscreen. Especially when the camera focuses only on her face, one is easily drawn in.
Some Holes
Unfortunately, the film falters in the writing department. While it delivers a consistently entertaining ride from beginning to end, it will have you questioning certain script details and character decisions after its conclusion. It also takes inspiration directly from a few classic horror movies, so it is lacking a bit in the originality department. If you enjoy homages, though, this could suit your taste.
There’s a couple certain critical decisions Mia makes towards the climax of the film that are a few of those “don’t do that stupid thing” in a horror movie moments. I won’t reveal what those decisions are, but they had me shaking my head in disbelief. It arguably makes sense for the character, but it’s frustrating to see someone you root for make a decision you know will result in an unfortunate fate.
Without revealing spoilers, the overall plot sort of falls apart under close scrutiny. The main villain’s goals and the steps it takes to accomplish its mission aren’t the clearest, though there are hints towards that end by the conclusion and final frame of the film.
There is a scene towards the beginning of the film that features blood splattering on Mia’s face. Later on, that evening, she still has blood on her cheek and down the side of her neck. My immediate reaction was to question why she hadn’t washed it off, and this led to me being pulled out of the scene.
What is Shelby Oaks Getting At?
Thematically speaking, the film explores motherhood, sisterly love, and obsession. As Mia jumps headfirst into her investigation, her husband questions her sanity. We all know, though, that these aren’t just figments of Mia’s imagination.
The film doesn’t seem to have any goals to deliver a message or encourage deep thinking on the part of the viewer. This is fine by me, as sometimes all you want from a horror movie is an exhilarating thrill ride, and Shelby Oaks definitely delivers in that department.
A Solid Effort
Chris Stuckmann’s first directing job isn’t a success in all categories, but it is where it counts. Skilled cinematography, stellar acting, and an intriguing mystery make it worth the investment. Hopefully, Stuckmann will go on to make more films that improve upon this installment. Congratulations Chris, I hope you’re pleased with your first film. For me, Shelby Oaks was a good time at the theatre!
Score:7.5/10
Shelby Oaks is now playing in theatres nationwide.
SHELBY OAKS – Official Trailer #2 – In Theaters October 24
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