Shelby Oaks Review: A Brilliant Supernatural Mystery

With the establishment of the “Lake Mungo” style of found footage, “Shelby Oaks” manages to keep viewers on edge by making them constantly search for something sinister lurking in the background. This isn’t a horror movie designed to scare audiences with sudden jump scares. Instead, it gradually creeps up on them, presenting what feels like a familiar supernatural mystery. As Mia delves deeper into her investigation, it’s hard not to share her growing sense of paranoia. Despite knowing she’ll inevitably uncover something, Stuckmann masterfully keeps the audience at a safe distance, forcing them to wade through an ever-increasing sense of curiosity and anxiety.

Mia’s quest to discover the truth about Riley takes her to unsettling places, such as an abandoned amusement park and a decrepit prison (The Ohio State Reformatory, famously featured in “The Shawshank Redemption”). While these locations are inherently disturbing, “Shelby Oaks” cleverly utilizes them through footage from Riley’s Paranormal Paranoids investigations and Mia’s visits. Even with a million-dollar budget, the film retains a DIY feel that blurs the line between reality and narrative fiction, enhancing its eerie atmosphere.

The film resembles a horror version of “Kevin Can F*** Himself,” where the camera alternates between the multi-camera sitcom setup and the single-camera look of prestige TV. Riley’s footage appears gritty and analog, while Mia’s segments are more cinematic. Viewing the story through different lenses and time periods often gives the impression that we are peering into a world we shouldn’t see. This fluctuation between trying to solve Riley’s disappearance through found footage and the heart-wrenching determination of a sister who refuses to give up turns what could have been a generic ghost story into a poignant character study. It captures the essence of people facing cruel circumstances delivered by an indifferent universe.

The genuine emotions and intricate storytelling make “Shelby Oaks” captivating. While the horror genre often relies on predictable tropes, this film takes a different route by focusing on emotional depth and character development. The sense of realism achieved by the mixed-media presentation not only strengthens the storytelling but also keeps the viewers immersed. Mia’s relentless pursuit of the truth makes the audience root for her, despite the unnerving journey she undertakes.

Ultimately, “Shelby Oaks” stands out by not conforming to traditional horror. Instead of relying on sudden scares, it builds a persistent sense of dread and anticipation. The movie’s unique approach to blending different filming styles and timelines immerses the viewers in a world that feels both familiar yet alien. This emotional and psychological depth appeals not just to horror fans but also to those who appreciate a well-crafted story.

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