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Shelby Oaks: A New Spin on Found Footage Horror
Shelby Oaks is a horror film that embraces a variety of genre influences, resulting in both moments of originality and instances of predictability. Although the film occasionally feels derivative, it effectively delivers spine-chilling moments that resonate with audiences.
The landscape of horror cinema was forever altered with the release of The Blair Witch Project nearly 25 years ago. This groundbreaking film popularized the found footage style, becoming a massive box office success despite its limited budget. Its innovative approach blossomed in the hands of first-time filmmakers, which is also the case for Shelby Oaks—the directorial debut of Chris Stuckmann.
Stuckmann, known for his YouTube commentary and insights on film, infuses his project with a contemporary perspective. He critiques the ghost-hunting phenomenon that Blair Witch inspired while crafting a narrative that maintains a consistently terrifying atmosphere.
Overview of Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks follows a group of paranormal investigators, self-dubbed the “Paranormal Paranoids,” whose mysterious disappearance in Darke County, Ohio, in 2008 raises numerous questions. The group rose to fame through their viral YouTube series, which documented their investigations into the supernatural, garnering a mix of followers and skeptics along the way.
Their notoriety reached a peak when they embarked on an ill-fated journey to an abandoned amusement park shortly after one member, Riley Brennan, became unsettled during a visit to a haunted prison. This visit coincided with the tragic discovery of three members’ bodies, with Riley remaining missing after all these years. This unresolved case has prompted rampant speculation online, leading to the haunting question: ‘Who Took Riley Brennan?’
A Sister’s Search
The film is interwoven with a documentary-style narrative centered around Mia Brennan’s quest to find her sister, Riley. Consumed by grief and obsession over her sister’s disappearance—a phenomenon that strains her marriage—Mia embarks on a personal journey to uncover the truth or find closure.
Her investigation leads her to probe their shared past. Riley’s childhood fears and eerie drawings hint at a lingering supernatural presence in her life. As Mia navigates her current reality, she uncovers occult symbols linked to the crime scene and retraces her sister’s last moments at the haunted prison.
The quest for answers spirals out of control, putting Mia at odds with not only her sanity but also her relationship with the law. The narrative unfolds thrillingly as Mia faces terrifying truths that may finally resolve her sister’s mystery.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
Utilizing his background in multimedia, Stuckmann employs a blend of video formats including traditional film, found footage, documentary segments, and social media influences to weave his tale. This variety helps to cultivate a modern atmosphere that feels both familiar and distinct, even as it recalls the classic tropes of the found footage genre.
However, not all his stylistic choices resonate effectively. Some aspects, especially news segments, appear unconvincing to the point of disrupting the story’s immersion. The finale, while thematically coherent, lacks the visual impact expected, leading to an anticlimactic conclusion.
Character Depth and Performance
Crowned by an impressive performance from Camille Sullivan as Mia, Shelby Oaks is kept grounded in emotional resonance. Mia emerges as a relatable and multifaceted character, and her plight draws viewers in, making it easy to empathize with her decisions.
In contrast, Riley’s character, played by Sarah Durn, is less developed. Although her terrifying moments are effectively portrayed, the lack of depth in her character hinders the audience’s connection to her fate, which is crucial to the film’s emotional stakes.
Final Thoughts on Shelby Oaks
Despite its reliance on familiar genre conventions, Shelby Oaks manages to evoke fear and tension typical of quality horror. This debut showcases Chris Stuckmann’s potential as a filmmaker, balancing inspiration from past horror while crafting a tale that feels relevant today.
With a score of 3 out of 5, Shelby Oaks stands as both a commendable start for Stuckmann and a noteworthy addition to the horror genre, promising a release in 2025.
Source
www.dexerto.com