The trailer introduces viewers to the hauntingly abandoned town of Shelby Oaks, Ohio — a place shrouded in darkness and rumor — as a young woman embarks on a desperate search for her missing sister.
The story revolves around Mia, played by Camille Sullivan, who has spent years seeking answers about the mysterious disappearance of her sister Riley Brennan. Riley was one of the lead hosts of the popular YouTube series Paranormal Paranoids, a ghost-hunting show that mysteriously ceased all activity in 2008 when Riley and her co-hosts vanished during an investigation in the haunted town.
Years later, Riley’s story resurfaces as Mia agrees to share her journey with a documentary film crew, played by Emily Bennett and Rob Grant. What begins as a search for closure soon transforms into a descent into terror, as Mia unearths disturbing footage, hidden secrets, and a trail of paranormal events that suggest Riley’s disappearance was far from ordinary.
What waits in Shelby Oaks may not be entirely of this world. Fantasia Festival described the film as a deeply unnerving exploration of trauma, obsession, and the haunting allure of the unknown:
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Michael Beach, Keith David, Sarah Durn, Brendan Sexton III, and others. Acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) serves as executive producer alongside Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka.
Producers Cameron Burns, Aaron Koontz, and Ashleigh Snead helped bring Stuckmann’s vision to life, leveraging both studio support and the grassroots energy of its backers.
During the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con, Stuckmann reflected on the deeply personal nature of the project and his lifelong passion for cinema:
“Movies have always been my passion. Ever since I was a kid, they legitimately saved my life. I didn’t know if I could get here, but it was always in my sights.”
Shelby Oaks is not only a horror mystery steeped in internet-age folklore and ghost-hunting subculture but also a testament to creative perseverance. For Stuckmann, it's the realization of a dream — and for audiences, it promises a chilling journey into the unknown.
The film is set for a wider release later in 2025.
