Shelby Oaks: A Mixed Bag of Scares and Missed Opportunities

Shelby Oaks, the debut film by Chris Stuckmann, has been making waves, but does it live up to the hype? The film starts strong with a gripping cold open that hooks viewers immediately. It follows Riley and her friends, who run a YouTube channel called Paranormal Paranoids, as they investigate supernatural phenomena. The opening scenes are tense and well-crafted, setting the stage for a chilling horror experience. However, the film quickly loses steam. The shift from found footage to a traditional narrative style is jarring and confusing. The first 20 minutes are a masterclass in building suspense, but the rest of the film struggles to maintain that momentum. The documentary segments are particularly confusing, as they blend seamlessly with the main narrative, leaving viewers unsure of what they are watching. Despite its flaws, Shelby Oaks has some standout moments. Stuckmann excels at creating tension, especially in scenes where a creepy figure lurks just out of sight. One memorable scene features Mia watching a mysterious tape, the darkness and hum of the TV screen adding to the dread. Unfortunately, the film's third act falls flat. The conclusion is rushed and underwhelming, barely reaching the 80-minute mark. It feels like the film was stretched to meet feature length, with some scenes clearly added as an afterthought. The ending is laughable, leaving viewers disappointed after a promising setup. Shelby Oaks was funded partly through a successful Kickstarter campaign and received additional support from Mike Flanagan and Neon. While it may find an audience, especially on streaming platforms, it's clear that Stuckmann has room for improvement. The film's low-budget effects and documentary angle might appeal to some, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.