What happens when The Blair Witch Project (1999) meets the chilling atmosphere of Hereditary (2018)? The answer might just be Shelby Oaks (2025)—a film many are calling one of the scariest horror movies of the year.
Directed by Chris Stuckmann, a well-known horror film YouTuber and reviewer making his highly anticipated directorial debut, and produced by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House), this film has quickly generated buzz with its unique blend of found footage and deeply unsettling psychological horror.
With an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and glowing reviews from the Fantasia International Film Festival 2024, Shelby Oaks became even more talked about after undergoing reshoots to include more intense gore scenes.
The Story: Disappearance, Mystery, and Unexpected Terror
The film follows Mia Brennan (played by Camille Sullivan), who is searching for her missing sister, Riley. Riley was once the lead investigator of Paranormal Paranoids, a YouTube horror crew known for exploring haunted places in the early 2000s.
During an investigation at a location called Shelby Oaks, three of the crew members died under mysterious circumstances—and Riley vanished without a trace for the next 12 years.
As Mia digs deeper, she discovers old found footage tapes that uncover terrifying truths. Not only do they reveal that the supernatural entities from their childhood might be real, but they also expose long-buried trauma and disturbing urban legends.
This isn’t just a film full of jumpscares—Shelby Oaks explores grief, memory, and the danger of opening doors best left shut, all wrapped in a chilling blend of classic horror storytelling and immersive found footage.
Cast of Shelby Oaks:
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Camille Sullivan as Mia Brennan
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Brendan Sexton III as Robert Brennan
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Michael Beach as Detective Burke
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Sarah Durn as Riley Brennan
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Robin Bartlett as Norma
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Keith David as Morton Jacobson
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Eric Francis Melaragni as David
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Anthony Baldasare as Peter
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Caisey Cole as Laura
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Charlie Talbert as Wilson Miles
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Emily Bennett as Janet
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Rob Grant as Elijah
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Lauren Ashley Berry as Jess
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Derek Mears
Release Date: Get Ready to Lose Sleep
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United States: October 24, 2025 (limited release by Neon)
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Indonesia: October 29, 2025 — just in time for a Halloween horror movie marathon!
A Must-Watch for True Horror Fans
If you loved films like Talk to Me (2023) or Longlegs (2024), Shelby Oaks definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist. With its haunting story, gripping atmosphere, and slow-burning tension, this film will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Mark your calendar—and prepare to be terrified.
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