Shelby Oaks is a 2025 American supernatural horror mystery film written and directed by Chris Stuckmann in his feature debut. The movie stars Camille Sullivan, Sarah Durn, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David, Michael Beach, Robin Bartlett, Charlie Talbert, and Derek Mears, with music by The Newton Brothers.
The film mixes traditional storytelling with found-footage elements and is inspired by an online mystery surrounding a fictional paranormal investigation team called the “Paranormal Paranoids.”
The story follows Mia Brennan (Camille Sullivan), who is desperately searching for her younger sister Riley (Sarah Durn), a member of the Paranormal Paranoids who vanished 12 years earlier during an investigation in the abandoned town of Shelby Oaks, Ohio. While the bodies of three teammates were found, Riley’s body never was. As Mia’s search uncovers disturbing clues, she starts to believe that a demon from their childhood might be real—and linked to Riley’s disappearance.
The film explores grief, obsession, and the lasting impact of trauma. Shelby Oaks will have a limited theatrical release in the United States on October 3, 2025, following its world premiere at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival.
Shelby Oaks Age Rating
Shelby Oaks is rated R for violent content/gore, suicide, and language. The film features intense scenes that may be disturbing for younger viewers. Here’s a spoiler-free breakdown of its key content areas:
Violence & Gore
The film contains several intense scenes of violence, some with graphic gore. Found-footage segments may depict sudden or disturbing imagery. Scenes include the discovery of bodies, implied torture, and frightening supernatural attacks. While some violence is shown directly, others are implied but described in unsettling detail.
Suicide
The movie includes a scene depicting a suicide, which may be emotionally difficult for sensitive viewers. The act is not prolonged, but the emotional impact is significant.
Language
Frequent use of strong language, including multiple uses of the most severe profanity. The tone of dialogue often reflects fear, frustration, and desperation.
Mature Themes
The plot deals heavily with trauma, grief, obsession, and mental strain. Themes of loss and unresolved emotional wounds run throughout, with the horror acting as a metaphor for personal demons.
Is Shelby Oaks Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The graphic violence, depiction of suicide, and heavy emotional tone make this inappropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Even mature young teens may find the combination of supernatural horror, gore, and intense themes overwhelming.
Ages 16–17: Suitable only for horror-savvy older teens who can handle disturbing imagery and emotionally dark storylines. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Shelby Oaks is best for adult audiences who can process its mature themes and unsettling tone.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Watch it yourself first to judge if the level of gore and the suicide depiction is acceptable for your teen.
Discuss the Themes: Talk about the emotional effects of loss, obsession, and fear before or after viewing.
Address Found-Footage Intensity: Found-footage style can be more jarring and realistic for some viewers—prepare younger audiences for this.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Shelby Oaks?
A: The film is rated R for violent content/gore, suicide, and language.
Q: Is Shelby Oaks appropriate for teens?
A: Only for mature older teens (16+) due to intense violence, suicide depiction, and dark themes.
Q: Does Shelby Oaks have graphic violence?
A: Yes. Some scenes are graphic, with visible gore and disturbing imagery.
Q: Is there any sexual content in the film?
A: No. There is no sexual content or nudity.
Q: When and where can I watch Shelby Oaks?
A: The film will be released in select U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025.