Chris Stuckmann’s Shelby Oaks Stuns Horror Fans with Haunting Debut

People stop to admire the Shelby Oaks movie poster — Chris Stuckmann’s horror debut that began as the viral Shelby Oaks Kickstarter project.

According to reports, filmmaker and YouTuber Chris Stuckmann has officially entered the world of feature filmmaking with Shelby Oaks, a supernatural horror mystery that has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of 2025. The film, distributed by Neon, is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on October 24, following its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival last year.

Sources reveal that Shelby Oaks follows the chilling story of Mia Brennan, played by Camille Sullivan, who sets out to uncover the fate of her missing sister Riley, portrayed by Sarah Durn. The search leads her into the eerie and abandoned town of Shelby Oaks, where disturbing discoveries blur the line between the real and the supernatural.

As confirmed by production insiders, the film marks Chris Stuckmann’s feature directorial debut, with support from executive producer Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House. Stuckmann, who co-wrote the story with his wife Samantha Elizabeth, reportedly drew inspiration from his personal experiences and the online found-footage series “Paranormal Paranoids,” which also inspired the film’s narrative.

Reports indicate that Shelby Oaks was one of the most successful horror projects on Kickstarter, raising over one million dollars from more than 11,000 backers. The campaign’s success fueled a high level of anticipation across both horror and YouTube communities, as fans eagerly followed the project from concept to completion.

Filming took place across multiple Ohio locations, including the historic Ohio State Reformatory and Greenwood Farm. Officials stated that the shoot concluded in June 2022, though additional scenes were later filmed in 2025 to intensify the movie’s violence and visual impact.

Post-production, according to producers, faced temporary delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but the project resumed swiftly once restrictions eased. The Newton Brothers composed the film’s haunting score, while cinematographer Andrew Scott Baird captured the desolate beauty of the film’s settings.

Early reviews have been largely positive. Media outlets report that critics praised Sullivan’s gripping performance and Stuckmann’s skillful direction, particularly in the film’s first half. On Rotten Tomatoes, Shelby Oaks currently holds an 86% approval rating, with reviewers calling it “a chilling debut” that showcases Stuckmann’s promise as a new voice in horror.

However, reactions remain mixed among some critics. IGN noted that while the film’s first act is compelling, the mystery loses momentum in its second half. Others, including IndieWire and Rue Morgue, highlighted the atmospheric tension and strong emotional core that elevate Shelby Oaks beyond typical genre fare.

Industry observers say that Shelby Oaks stands as a landmark achievement for independent cinema, proving that fan-driven funding and creative persistence can successfully launch a director’s career. The film’s ongoing festival run continues to generate buzz, with audiences eager to experience its supernatural intensity on the big screen this October.

Fans searching for the latest updates on Shelby Oaks, its trailer, and release information can expect further coverage and behind-the-scenes insights as the film approaches its nationwide release.

FAQ
Q1: Is Shelby Oaks a true story?
A1: No, Shelby Oaks is a fictional horror story inspired by found-footage concepts and the “Paranormal Paranoids” online series.

Q2: When is Shelby Oaks releasing?
A2: The film will be released in the United States on October 24, 2025.