In ‘Shelby Oaks,’ all the clichés are sprayed with the subtlety of a T-shirt gun

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The new horror movie “Shelby Oaks,” directed by a newcomer, actually makes you think about how predictable the genre has become. We’re used to seeing characters about to make a bad decision – like opening a scary door or approaching a creepy figure. But with films like “Shelby Oaks” that simply rehash old ideas, you’re more likely to find yourself impatiently waiting for something to happen instead of being frightened.

It’s well known that filmmaker Chris Stuckmann is a huge fan of horror, and his first movie is packed with classic elements: shaky camera footage, disappearances, abandoned towns, scary childhood memories, disturbing visions, creepy monsters, ominous symbols, and a predictable twist. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – the best horror movies often combine cheesy thrills with genuinely unsettling moments. However, Stuckmann is still developing his skills as a filmmaker.

The story starts like a fake documentary – a common way horror movies deliver information. We see a collection of videos, news reports, and online posts that explain the mysterious disappearance of Riley Brennan, a popular ghost hunter on YouTube. Riley, along with three friends who called themselves the “Paranormal Paranoids,” was investigating the abandoned town of Shelby Oaks. It was Riley’s last project, and after her friends were found murdered in a cabin, she vanished without a trace.

Mia, Riley’s older sister (played by Camille Sullivan), believes her missing sibling is still alive and in danger. She refuses to accept claims that Riley is intentionally hiding. When a stranger (Charlie Talbert) arrives with a threatening message and a video hinting at what happened to Riley, Mia takes it upon herself to investigate. Her husband (Brendan Sexton III) mostly just looks worried.

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After starting as a mockumentary, “Shelby Oaks” turns into a typical horror story. Mia cautiously explores an abandoned prison, spooky woods, and finally an old, dimly lit house. There, she meets an overly friendly, older woman (played by Robin Bartlett, who gives a memorable performance) whose laugh sounds artificial and unsettling.

While the show centers around the search for Riley, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly compelling horror experience. “Shelby Oaks” feels pieced together, lacking a cohesive and genuinely frightening vision. Though horror veteran Mike Flanagan is involved as an executive producer, and the director seems to try and emulate his style in the final episodes, it comes across as imitation rather than originality. The director lacks Flanagan’s storytelling ability and skill for building horror from realistic foundations.

It’s frustrating because the outcome feels predictable and underwhelming, leaving you wondering why it wasn’t handled with more depth. A director like Cronenberg or Carpenter – or even newer talents like Ari Aster or Zach Cregger – would have made it truly haunting and memorable. Instead, it feels like a shallow imitation of classic horror, relying on tired clichés without building a solid foundation.

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2025-10-23 13:35