NEON has officially picked up Shelby Oaks, the debut horror movie from popular YouTube critic Chris Stuckmann, with an announced theatrical release date of October 3, 2025.
The film, which blends traditional horror storytelling with found footage elements, centers on the mysterious disappearance of paranormal investigators known as the Paranormal Paranoids. The plot follows Mia’s relentless search for her sister Riley, the lead investigator, 12 years after Riley vanished while uncovering a dark and supernatural legacy tied to their childhood.
Following NEON’s acquisition last year, additional funding was provided to Stuckmann and co-writer Koontz to enhance the movie’s gore and violence, further developing practical effects that intensify the film’s chilling atmosphere. Indiewire highlights how the new footage “recontextualizes some of the original story,” adding layers of depth and suspense to the horror narrative.
The cast features a strong lineup of seasoned actors, including Camille Sullivan (Hunter Hunter), Brendan Sexton III (Don’t Breathe 2), Michael Beach (If Beale Street Could Talk), Robin Bartlett (Shutter Island), Keith David (The Thing), Charlie Talbert (The Big Short), Emily Bennett (Alone With You), and Sarah Durn (Where the Crawdads Sing). Notably, Derek Mears, known for his portrayal of Jason Voorhees in the 2009 Friday the 13th reboot, joins the cast in an undisclosed role, promising a formidable presence in this scary movie.
Adding prestige to the project, horror maestro Mike Flanagan—famed for Doctor Sleep and The Fall of the House of Usher—has come on board as an executive producer. Flanagan collaborates with producers Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka of Intrepid Pictures, further solidifying Shelby Oaks’ position within the film industry’s rising wave of psychological thrillers and horror offerings.
With its blend of supernatural mystery, enhanced practical effects, and a gripping narrative rooted in psychological thriller elements, Shelby Oaks is shaping up to be a significant addition to the horror movie genre in 2025.
