Chris Stuckmann’s ‘Shelby Oaks’ Drops Final Trailer, Promises Chilling Horror
Neon has released the final trailer for Shelby Oaks, the new indie horror film directed by YouTube movie reviewer Chris Stuckmann.
This is Stuckmann’s first full-length movie, though he has made short films in the past. Fans who have followed his movie reviews for years are especially excited to see his feature debut.
The film first appeared at the Fantasia Film Festival in 2024 and also screened at FrightFest. It is set to arrive in U.S. theaters on October 24, 2025.
The story of Shelby Oaks follows Mia Brennan, played by Camille Sullivan, as she searches for her missing younger sister, Riley. The search turns intense when Mia begins to wonder if the imaginary demon from their childhood might have been real.
The cast also includes Michael Beach, Keith David, Sarah Durn, Brendan Sexton III, and Robin Bartlett. In addition, the movie has a viral website filled with clues and footage about Riley, though viewers will need to watch the film to understand the full story.
What's left in Shelby Oaks is death and rot.
— NEON (@neonrated) September 29, 2025
SHELBY OAKS. A new horror from writer/director Chris Stuckmann and executive producer Mike Flanagan. In theaters 10.24. pic.twitter.com/YIZJp5C4od
Shelby Oaks is produced, written, and directed by Stuckmann, with Aaron B. Koontz, Cameron Burns, and Ashleigh Snead also listed as producers. The movie is connected to a series of online found-footage videos about a paranormal team called the Paranormal Paranoids, which also starred Sarah Durn.
This film takes the story further, showing Mia’s journey to the abandoned town of Shelby Oaks as she tries to uncover what happened to her sister.
The film has already been shown at several festivals, including the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20, 2024, FrightFest on August 23, 2024, and Fantastic Fest on September 19. Neon will release it in the U.S. on October 24.
Critics have mostly responded positively. On Rotten Tomatoes, 85% of 34 reviews are favorable.
The site’s summary reads, “Shelby Oaks may stumble in its final moments, but its atmospheric tension and emotional core firmly establish it as a chilling debut from director Chris Stuckmann.” Metacritic gives it a score of 55 out of 100, which indicates mixed or average reviews. Camille Sullivan’s performance and the film’s creepy atmosphere have been especially praised.
Overall, Shelby Oaks looks like a strong first feature for Stuckmann, blending mystery and horror with emotional depth. It seems likely to appeal to fans of supernatural stories and indie horror.
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