Shelby Oaks - A Movie Review
Chris Stuckmann’s directorial debut is an impressive first effort.
I know Riley’s alive, I can feel it.
Shelby Oaks is a 2025 thriller. A woman’s sister has been missing after being abducted years ago. Refusing to give up, Mia's search leads her to a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.
I have been following YouTube movie reviewer Chris Stuckmann for the last few years. He’s what inspired me to become a movie reviewer. I have been looking forward to seeing Shelby Oaks ever since he announced it. Stuckmann’s directing style is impressive, capturing the horror aesthetic, but the story isn’t as strong.
The casting choices were good, including Sarah Durn, Camille Sullivan, Anthony Baldasare, Keith David, and Michael Beach. Durn and Sullivan were terrific in their performances as Mia and Riley. They both accomplish terror. Some reactions were slow. I didn’t feel much chemistry between Sullivan and Beach.
Sullivan has the majority of the screen, and she does not disappoint. She plays Mia with a raw intensity. Mia’s fighting attitude is a trait to admire. She never gives up in the search for Riley. I was impressed with how authentic her reactions to the horror were.
This is Chris Stuckmann’s directorial debut. Being a director was his dream, and he followed his passion to be one. Stuckmann’s filming techniques are the most impressive. He has filmed his own home movies since he was a kid, giving him a knack for filmmaking.
I did as little research as possible, and I thought the first ten-minute found-footage sequence was based on true events. The found footage segment is an impressive feature, highlighting realism. Stuckmann went for authenticity and filmed on a 2008-era camcorder.
If you have followed Stuckmann, you know that he loves the horror genre. Every shot of the film is planned out, and he brings his own unique eye for horror. Horror films are all about scaring audiences. This film has some effective jump scares, which I did not anticipate. I jumped a couple of times.
The sequence where Mia searches the dark dungeon is a signature scene. Filming transpired at the closed-down Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. This was the same filming location for The Shawshank Redemption (1994). As Mia walks through the dark hallways, the scene is stone quiet with little noise. Silence is rare in a horror movie.
Stuckmann and cinematographer Sasha Moric employ muted palettes, flickering lights, and long stretches of negative space to create a world that feels drained and unsettled. Much of the film is told through Mia’s eyes, and the cinematography mirrors her fraying mental state. One of my favorite shots is the camera slowly panning the dark forest.
It’s the story and pacing that fall flat, particularly in the last 15 minutes. I started losing interest in the last half because it didn’t feel like the same movie. The story followed a realistic approach until taking a fantasy angle in the conclusion. Shelby Oaks is about an abduction. I didn’t buy the witch’s cult or curses. I also feel that one creature should have remained hidden.
Stuckmann’s directorial debut is still an impressive effort. I have followed Stuckmann’s reviews since 2018. I am an avid movie fanatic, and listening to his reviews inspired my passion to create my own channels to talk about movies. There’s so much more to movies. Because of Stuckmann, I have paid attention to subtle details and behind-the-scenes work.
Take a look at Shelby Oaks. It’s not just a successful first feature; it’s a promising signal of a filmmaker who has a deep love for cinema.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
Keep reading
More stories from Marielle Sabbag and writers in Geeks and other communities.
NeverlandNEXT Chapter's "A Christmas Carol": A Moving and Festive Production
My chance of hope is being haunted by three spirits. For its second holiday season, NeverlandNEXT Chapter performed Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Tony Bellerose. Ebenezer Scrooge despises the holidays and keeps everyone at arm's length. One night, he is visited by three specters, who show him his past, present, and future, to help him change his attitude for the better.
By Marielle Sabbag2 months ago in Geeks
Not Just For Clean Up: A History Of The MCU's Department of Damage Control
Initially an organisation that seemed to exist to help the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Phase Four onwards, the Department of Damage Control has shifted into a more antagonistic role. Most recently seen in the Wonder Man series, the current incarnation of Damage Control seems to target superpowered individuals, regardless of whether that person poses an active or intentional threat.
By Kristy Andersona day ago in Geeks
Keurig Coffee Pods Recall
For millions of people, a Keurig machine is part of the daily routine. Drop in a pod, press a button, and coffee is ready in seconds. That simplicity is exactly why news of a Keurig coffee pods recall can feel unsettling. When a product tied so closely to everyday life is flagged for safety concerns, consumers naturally have questions: What happened? Is my coffee safe? And what does this recall say about product quality and consumer trust? This article takes a closer look at the Keurig coffee pods recall, why recalls happen in the food and beverage industry, and what consumers should do if they believe they are affected. Understanding Product Recalls in the Coffee Industry Product recalls are more common than many people realize. They are not always the result of negligence or widespread danger. In many cases, recalls are issued as a preventive measure when a company identifies a potential risk before serious harm occurs. In the coffee industry, recalls may stem from: Packaging defects Contamination risks Labeling errors Manufacturing irregularities Coffee pods, including single-serve varieties, involve multiple components such as plastic casings, foil lids, filters, and sealed contents. Any issue in this chain can trigger a recall if it poses even a small safety concern. What Prompted the Keurig Coffee Pods Recall? The Keurig coffee pods recall reportedly centered on concerns related to packaging integrity and potential safety issues during the brewing process. In some cases, consumers reported unusual pod behavior, such as leaking, improper sealing, or material failure under heat and pressure. When hot water is forced through a pod at high pressure, even minor defects can become significant. Keurig, like many major brands, follows strict quality control standards. Once a possible issue was identified, affected batches were voluntarily removed from circulation. It is important to note that recalls do not necessarily mean all Keurig pods are unsafe. Typically, recalls apply only to specific production lots or product lines, not the entire brand. How Recalls Protect Consumers While recalls can sound alarming, they are actually a sign that safety systems are working as intended. Regulatory agencies and manufacturers rely on data from internal testing, consumer feedback, and third-party inspections to identify problems early. In the case of coffee pods, a recall helps prevent: Exposure to unsafe materials Risk of burns or leaks during brewing Consumption of compromised products By acting quickly, companies limit the scope of potential harm and demonstrate accountability. What Should Consumers Do? If you use Keurig coffee pods regularly, the first step is not to panic. Instead, take a few practical actions: Check official announcements Look for recall notices from Keurig or authorized retailers. These notices typically include product names, lot numbers, and purchase dates. Inspect your packaging Lot numbers are usually printed on the box or pod packaging. Matching these details is the easiest way to confirm whether your product is affected. Stop using recalled products If your pods are part of the recall, discontinue use immediately, even if they appear normal. Follow return or refund instructions Most recalls offer refunds, replacements, or credits. Companies often provide clear steps through customer support or online forms. Stay informed Future updates may clarify the issue further or confirm that corrective actions have been completed. Impact on Brand Trust and Consumer Confidence Keurig has built its reputation on convenience and consistency. A recall, while inconvenient, does not automatically erode trust. In fact, how a company responds matters far more than the issue itself. Transparent communication, clear recall instructions, and consumer-focused solutions help preserve confidence. Many consumers appreciate brands that acknowledge problems openly rather than ignoring them. Historically, companies that handle recalls responsibly often recover quickly, especially when no serious injuries or widespread harm occur. The Bigger Picture: Quality Control in Single-Serve Coffee The rise of single-serve coffee has transformed how people consume coffee at home and in offices. However, it has also increased the complexity of manufacturing. Unlike traditional ground coffee bags, pods must withstand heat, pressure, and moisture without failing. This recall highlights the importance of: Continuous quality testing Responsive consumer feedback channels Strong supply chain oversight As the market grows, manufacturers must adapt their processes to maintain safety without sacrificing convenience. Should You Stop Using Keurig Products? For most consumers, the answer is no. Recalls are usually limited in scope and do not suggest systemic failure. If your pods are not included in the recall, they are generally considered safe to use. That said, staying informed and paying attention to official notices is always a good practice. Food and beverage safety is a shared responsibility between companies and consumers. Final Thoughts The Keurig coffee pods recall serves as a reminder that even familiar household products can face unexpected challenges. Rather than viewing recalls as a sign of failure, they can be seen as evidence of active safety monitoring and responsible business practices. For consumers, the key is awareness. Checking product details, following recall guidance, and staying informed ensures peace of mind. For manufacturers, transparency and swift action remain essential to maintaining trust in a competitive marketplace.
By Saboor Brohi 6 days ago in Geeks
A Letter to the Firestarter
Dear Firestarter, We can all see you, we've been watching you since you began. In case you didn't know we were here before you and we will be here after. We witnessed your rise, your setbacks, your guilt and your lies. We witnessed you start the fire.
By Donny Foley4 days ago in Poets
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.