This Halloween season offers a disappointing selection of horror films, with the much-anticipated Shelby Oaks emerging as a particularly clumsy entry. The feature debut from online film critic Chris Stuckmann attempts to blend found footage, mockumentary, and traditional narrative techniques but ultimately feels like an unfinished patchwork of horror tropes.
The film begins with promise, exploring the world of online paranormal investigators through the lens of a mockumentary. The story follows Mia, played by an overly dramatic Camille Sullivan, as she searches for her sister Riley who vanished years earlier after investigating the mysterious Shelby Oaks location. This setup, reminiscent of early 2000s found-footage hits, represents the film’s strongest segment before it transitions into a more conventional narrative.
Unfortunately, Mia’s investigation quickly becomes a tedious journey through predictable horror territory. The search for clues leading to an abandoned theme park town fails to generate suspense or emotional investment. Despite the film’s brief runtime, the central mystery feels drawn out and uninvolving, with only a brief appearance by character actor Robin Bartlett providing any notable moments.
Stuckmann’s background as a genre enthusiast becomes apparent through his heavy reliance on established horror conventions rather than developing a unique directorial voice. The film throws numerous horror elements at the audience without achieving cohesion or genuine scares. The final act descends into rushed confusion, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
The production history reveals an unusual path to theaters. After initial festival screenings attracted distributor attention, additional funding allowed for reshoots and added gore. However, these late-stage improvements couldn’t mask the fundamental weaknesses in storytelling and execution that make the film feel unready for theatrical release.
In a season already struggling for quality horror offerings, Shelby Oaks stands out as particularly disappointing. The film joins other recent horror disappointments in failing to provide either genuine frights or compelling storytelling, making it an easy skip for audiences seeking Halloween entertainment.
Shelby Oaks arrives in theaters this month, though viewers might want to consider their other options for seasonal viewing.
