Budget constraints couldn't hide the creative shortcomings of Shelby Oaks. The Halloween horror film, directed by YouTube critic Chris Stuckmann in his feature debut, promises much but delivers little. Despite a higher budget than its low-budget counterparts, the movie still feels unfinished and awkwardly assembled.
The film begins on shaky ground, relying too heavily on the found-footage genre that it probably should have left behind after its documentary-style intro fails to hook the viewer. Instead, Stuckmann attempts to transition into more cinematic storytelling, but this shift proves difficult to pull off without a smoother narrative thread.
The story follows Mia (Camille Sullivan), who embarks on an obsessive search for her missing sister Riley, joined by a group of online investigators known as the Paranormal Paranoids. The premise is reminiscent of several found-footage horror classics from the late 2000s, but it lacks the tension and urgency that these films were able to muster.
The pacing falters, with Mia's search feeling interminable and devoid of real emotional investment. The script riffs on various genre tropes, hoping to conjure a sense of familiarity without actually establishing any unique identity for itself. Stuckmann leans heavily into style over substance, often prioritizing clever references over coherent narrative.
In contrast to other YouTube creators like Curry Barker, who recently made a successful horror film with Obsession, Shelby Oaks feels woefully underprepared and disorganized. The result is a disjointed viewing experience that fails to scare or engage audiences.
The final act descends into incoherent chaos, leaving viewers wondering what exactly they've just witnessed. It's clear that Stuckmann hasn't yet found his footing as a feature filmmaker, relying too heavily on imitations of others rather than forging his own path.
Shelby Oaks is an embarrassment, even in the crowded and often diminished world of horror cinema. Despite its modest budget, it fails to deliver any real thrills or scares.
The film begins on shaky ground, relying too heavily on the found-footage genre that it probably should have left behind after its documentary-style intro fails to hook the viewer. Instead, Stuckmann attempts to transition into more cinematic storytelling, but this shift proves difficult to pull off without a smoother narrative thread.
The story follows Mia (Camille Sullivan), who embarks on an obsessive search for her missing sister Riley, joined by a group of online investigators known as the Paranormal Paranoids. The premise is reminiscent of several found-footage horror classics from the late 2000s, but it lacks the tension and urgency that these films were able to muster.
The pacing falters, with Mia's search feeling interminable and devoid of real emotional investment. The script riffs on various genre tropes, hoping to conjure a sense of familiarity without actually establishing any unique identity for itself. Stuckmann leans heavily into style over substance, often prioritizing clever references over coherent narrative.
In contrast to other YouTube creators like Curry Barker, who recently made a successful horror film with Obsession, Shelby Oaks feels woefully underprepared and disorganized. The result is a disjointed viewing experience that fails to scare or engage audiences.
The final act descends into incoherent chaos, leaving viewers wondering what exactly they've just witnessed. It's clear that Stuckmann hasn't yet found his footing as a feature filmmaker, relying too heavily on imitations of others rather than forging his own path.
Shelby Oaks is an embarrassment, even in the crowded and often diminished world of horror cinema. Despite its modest budget, it fails to deliver any real thrills or scares.
this movie is like watching a teenager try to make their own horror film without knowing how to put on makeup. stuckmann tries so hard to be cool but ends up being awkward and boring. the pacing is all over the place, it's like he's constantly switching gears 
. what's with the found-footage nonsense? couldn't he have come up with something original for once? 
anyway, if you want to watch a real horror film, just go look up obsession on youtube or something...
and I'm still trying to process what happened 
. The movie had so much potential with Chris Stuckmann at the helm, but honestly, it felt like a mess 
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to start with found-footage and then try to switch to more cinematic storytelling? It's like they couldn't make up their minds 
.
. The script tries to hit all these horror tropes, but it ends up feeling super predictable 
. I was expecting something more unique and terrifying, not just a lazy imitation of other horror movies 
.
. It's like they're trying to be too clever instead of being genuine storytellers 
. I'll stick to Curry Barker's Obsession, thanks! 
I gotta say, Shelby Oaks sounds like a mess! 
The pacing was all over the place and the script just felt...off. I'm kinda disappointed that it didn't turn out better since it had some cool concepts going on 
. Guess you gotta be careful what you wish for when it comes to making your first feature film 
this movie sounds like such a letdown, i was expecting something really scary but it just feels so... unfinished. 
i get that the found-footage genre can be a bit played out, but maybe they should've taken some risks and tried something new instead of relying on old tropes. 
also, i feel bad for Chris Stuckmann, he seems like someone who's passionate about horror and just trying to make his mark... 
maybe this is just a step back for him and not the end of his journey as a filmmaker? 
.
.
... it's like he's trying too hard to be clever instead of actually making a unique film. I've seen better made by YouTube creators who haven't had the chance to make a big-budget horror flick yet, you know? Like Curry Barker's Obsession was a total game-changer for him and now Shelby Oaks just feels like a disappointment 
. I mean, what's the point of having a bigger budget if you're just gonna waste it on cheap thrills and shallow scares? 
This thing was like watching a train wreck in slow motion – you know it's gonna end badly, but you can't look away 
The found-footage genre is super played out already, what were they thinkin' with that documentary intro? And don't even get me started on the pacing – it feels like Mia's just wandering around forever without any real purpose or tension 
I mean, I love a good genre riff as much as the next guy, but Shelby Oaks is all style and no substance 
And that final act? Forget about it – it's like they threw a bunch of horror tropes against the wall and hoped somethin' would stick 
i mean i love chris stuckmann on youtube but this film is like a whole different story 
i was literally checking my watch wondering when it would be over 
and the ending was like wow what just happened 
. I'm not even mad about Curry Barker making that successful film, that just makes Shelby Oaks look even more lacking 
. If you're a horror fan, trust me and give Obsession a shot instead 
