A film crew uncover a disturbing new lead in a woman’s obsessive search for her missing sister, which steers her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil. From EP Mike Flanagan and Director Chris Stuckmann.
What We Thought:
Shelby Oaks isn’t my type of horror movie. It relies on jumpscares, looks like a found footage film at times and is a supernatural/paranormal themed movie. None of that is for me. It will absolutely have an audience because there are fans of those things. I’m just not one of them.
The movie comes from a film critic turned filmmaker, but I have to be honest, I have no idea who Chris Stuckmann is. I don’t pay attention to most critics despite reviewing movies myself. It’s not the type of horror I enjoy, but I thought the film looked good and it doesn’t feel like a first time filmmaker.
It’s about a group of paranormal investigators who grow on YouTube. They disappear and their popularity gets even bigger. A documentary is being made on the group and the lead’s sister still believes she’s alive a decade plus later. There’s a knock on the door and a man spins the movie out with the sister now looking for her sister using evidence she’s keeping from the police.
I’m not a religious person so using demons and the like does nothing for me. I understand the concept and hellhounds are cool, but again, it’s not my type of thing. I thought the actress playing the older sister was solid and the direction/pacing works as well, but when you’re not overly interested in the story you don’t have much to go on.
Shelby Oaks will have fans. Stuckmann will make more movies because of it. If you like paranormal investigations and found footage films you’ll dig it. It’s not my thing, but I can respect the resulting film.
The Nerds Templar 