Shelby Oaks Review: This New Blair Witch Replacement Isn’t What You Think

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Director Michael Pearce’s debut film, Shelby Oaks, blends the unsettling vibes of films like The Blair Witch Project, Rosemary’s Baby, and Twin Peaks. Fueled by a successful crowdfunding campaign, dedicated teamwork, and the eerie backdrop of rural Ohio, the film evolved from a simple YouTube-inspired idea into a standout atmospheric horror of 2025. Shelby Oaks is a chilling Midwestern Gothic tale, presented as a found-footage mystery and rooted in a devastating family tragedy. Starring Camille Sullivan and Sarah Durn as two sisters caught in a terrifying situation, the film premiered at Beyond Fest and quickly gained international attention, captivating viewers with its strong opening and ultimately leading them down a dark and unexpected path.

Riley Brennan always felt drawn to the strange and supernatural, experiencing unsettling visions in her dreams that seemed to predict the future – and only her sister, Mia, took her seriously. In the early 2000s, Riley and her friends became popular YouTubers with their ghost-hunting videos, investigating eerie events around their Midwestern hometown. But during a particularly frightening investigation in Shelby Oaks, Ohio, the group was tragically killed, and Riley disappeared without a trace. All that remained was one final, terrifying video Riley filmed right before she vanished. For decades, everyone wondered what happened to Riley Brennan, but no one was more affected than Mia. When long-lost footage of Riley resurfaces after a disturbing incident, Mia decides to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance, a quest that leads her to a horrifying revelation connected to the demons of their childhood.

Shelby Oaks’ Cinematography and Design Is Peak American Gothic

The making of Shelby Oaks is a remarkable story. The film truly reflects the current horror boom – it was developed and filmed during a time when horror movies were gaining huge popularity after the pandemic. It’s a genuinely independent project, funded by fans and supporters who believed in director Stuckmann’s skills and the film’s intriguing story. As excitement built, Stuckmann took on the role of executive producer. Even when they ran out of money, the team managed to create a cohesive and captivating film, maximizing their resources, especially the authentic rural Ohio location.

Recently, Shelby Oaks has emerged as a strikingly beautiful and unsettling horror film. It expertly evokes a specific, haunting atmosphere – a faded, decaying version of classic American landscapes in autumn and winter, complete with lonely forests, crumbling buildings, and lingering mist. The film resonates with current trends in horror, drawing on the popularity of found footage, analog aesthetics, Midwestern Gothic settings, and themes like cryptids, cults, and forgotten mysteries. It cleverly creates a nostalgic, yet unsettling feeling, as if watching a lost world through old technology. The first half of the film, particularly the mockumentary introduction and Mia’s nighttime exploration of Shelby Oaks, is remarkably well-crafted and visually stunning. With its moody, desolate setting and authentically vintage filming style, Shelby Oaks is both visually and conceptually unique.

The filmmakers put a lot of effort into creating a dark, unsettling, and atmospheric experience with Shelby Oaks. Because the film was funded by fans, director Stuckmann and his team carefully listened to feedback during production, and that attention shows. The film starts with a captivating, vintage-style opening that generated a lot of online buzz. It’s somewhat surprising, then, that the story takes a dramatic turn when Mia becomes the main character. While a found-footage segment suggests intense violence, the film generally relies on shocking the audience alongside Mia. The first part of the film has a light, faded look, but the rest is dark, gritty, and filmed with a modern, polished style. At times, Shelby Oaks feels like three separate, connected stories woven into one disturbing experience. It’s not the most seamless horror film of recent years – even compared to other films being released in 2025 – but it’s certainly

Shelby Oaks Starts Strong – But Stumbles at the Finish

The beginning of Shelby Oaks feels like a realistic documentary, similar to the style of found-footage horror films like The Blair Witch Project. The story centers around a young woman who investigates paranormal activity and posts videos online, but then vanishes. All that remains are her recordings and rumors, hinting at a larger, unsettling mystery in a seemingly peaceful town. It has a strange, David Lynch-like quality, updated for today’s internet culture. Sarah Durn is captivating as Riley Brennan, a kind and quirky ghost hunter with a possible gift and a sad backstory. It’s easy to understand why Mia – and the audience – become so invested in finding out what happened to her.

Camille Sullivan delivers a powerful performance as Mia, the film’s central character. Mia is a woman in her forties, still deeply affected by her sister’s disappearance, to the point where it has taken over her life. She’s also struggling with the pain of not having children, a theme that becomes particularly prominent towards the end of the film. Sullivan beautifully portrays Mia’s intense grief, unwavering determination, fragile hope, and overwhelming fear, adding a subtle layer of wistful tenderness. Alongside her co-star, it’s easy to feel for Mia and want her to find peace, which makes the film’s ending feel like a disappointing turn.

Shelby Oaks Is Three Different Films In One

During its first hour, Shelby Oaks is a gripping and unsettling mystery. It starts as a seemingly realistic documentary before abruptly transforming into a present-day horror film – a shocking shift that immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Many would say the initial found-footage segment is the strongest part, offering a unique and fresh take on the genre. The mystery that follows, where Mia explores deserted amusement parks, prisons, and forests, is also compelling, though it’s occasionally slowed down by unnecessary conflicts and an uneven rhythm.

The movie takes a sharp turn in its final act, shifting away from its initial spooky, creature-feature vibe. While the actors deliver strong performances and the special effects are effectively gruesome, the ending feels illogical and unearned. Despite hints throughout the film, the climactic sequence – reminiscent of a disturbing, final confrontation – lacks a satisfying explanation or resolution. Given the intriguing mystery established earlier, and the enjoyable unraveling of it, the ending is frustrating, particularly for viewers. It’s undeniably creepy, but ultimately feels like a letdown.

Shelby Oaks is a true product of the creative spirit that emerged after the pandemic. It started as a single person’s vision and blossomed into a full-fledged film thanks to the enthusiastic support of horror fans around the world. A dedicated team brought it to life, combining unique skills and responding to feedback from backers. The final result isn’t perfect, but it’s a strikingly imaginative and genuinely unsettling piece of filmmaking. Unlike many mainstream horror movies, Shelby Oaks wasn’t constrained by studio interference or predictable storylines. Like the eerie, decaying town depicted in the film, it’s a bit rough and imperfect – but that’s part of what makes it so beautiful, captivating, and memorable.

Shelby Oaks is now in theaters.

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2025-10-25 00:37