Shelby Oaks is a supernatural horror and Thriller film directed and written by Chris Stuckmann, making his feature film debut. The film stars Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Keith David, Robin Bartlett, and Sarah Durn.
The story follows Mia, who is haunted by the disappearance of her sister Riley, a paranormal investigator who went missing years ago while investigating the mysterious town of Shelby Oaks. Mia’s search draws her into dark, supernatural secrets tied to childhood fears and hidden evils.
Shelby Oaks premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in July 2024 and is scheduled for theatrical release in the U.S. on October 24, 2025 via Neon.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Shelby Oaks |
| Genre | Horror / Supernatural Mystery |
| Director / Writer | Chris Stuckmann |
| Starring | Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Keith David, Robin Bartlett, Sarah Durn |
| Runtime | 102 minutes (some sources vary) |
| Age Rating | R (United States) |
| Release Date | October 24, 2025 (U.S.) |
| Distributor | Neon |
Shelby Oaks Age Rating
Shelby Oaks is officially rated R by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in the U.S. The rating is due to violent content / gore, references to suicide, and strong language.
This R rating means that those under 17 should not attend without a parent or guardian’s supervision. In general, an R rating signals mature content that includes intense violence, disturbing imagery, or adult themes not deemed suitable for younger viewers.
Is Shelby Oaks Suitable for Kids?
No, Shelby Oaks is not suitable for children. The film contains intense violence and gore, dark themes including suicide, and disturbing atmosphere. Younger viewers may find it frightening or emotionally upsetting. Even older children and early teens may struggle with its mature content. It is better suited to mature audiences who can handle horror and psychological tension.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | Not suitable for young children |
| Ages 8–12 | Not recommended |
| Teens (13–15) | Viewer discretion advised / Not recommended |
| Teens (16–17) | Maybe, with caution |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature audiences |
Shelby Oaks Parents Guide
Here is a content breakdown to help parents understand what to expect:-
Sex & Nudity
There is no sexual content or nudity in Shelby Oaks. The movie focuses entirely on horror and psychological fear rather than romance or sexual situations. (3 of 4 users found this to have none.)
Violence & Gore
The violence and gore are severe. In a found-footage scene, a man shoots himself in the head. Some blood is shown, but the camera cuts away quickly. Later, a brief shot shows a large amount of blood splattering from the gunshot.
In another found-footage moment, we hear a man’s head crack and see it briefly ripped in half—this scene is extremely graphic but only appears for a second.
There’s also a moment when a person is ripped apart in very gory and graphic detail—this is the most intense scene in the film. (2 of 3 users found this severe.)
Profanity
The film contains severe strong language throughout. Viewers can expect frequent use of intense profanity. (2 of 2 users found this severe.)
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There are mild instances of alcohol or smoking, but these are minimal and not a major part of the story. (2 of 2 users found this mild.)
Frightening & Intense Scenes
The frightening and intense scenes are severe. Shelby Oaks builds a constant sense of dread, using dark visuals, jump scares, and disturbing sounds. The movie includes very tense moments and disturbing imagery that could deeply unsettle sensitive viewers. (5 of 5 users found this severe.)
Tips for Parents
- It may help to preview the trailer or clips to assess whether the tone seems too intense for your child.
- Be ready to discuss themes of grief, mental health, fear, and supernatural concepts that your child may not understand.
- If your child is sensitive or easily frightened, you might choose to wait until they are older or watch together and pause to explain or reassure.
- Encourage open dialogue: let the child ask questions or express discomfort during or after viewing.
Shelby Oaks Official Trailer
Here is a trailer for Shelby Oaks:-
FAQs
What is the age rating for Shelby Oaks?
The film is rated R in the U.S., meaning children under 17 are strongly advised to be accompanied by an adult due to violent content, gore, language, and themes of suicide.
Is Shelby Oaks safe for teens?
It depends on the teen. For mature older teens (16–17) with experience handling horror, it might be acceptable with caution. But it is not recommended for younger teens (13–15) due to its intensity and disturbing content.
Does Shelby Oaks include violence or gore?
Yes. The film contains severe violence and graphic images, along with supernatural horror elements.
Does the movie deal with suicide or dark mental health themes?
Yes — one of the official reasons cited for its rating includes references to suicide.
Where can I watch Shelby Oaks?
It will be released theatrically in the U.S. by Neon starting October 24, 2025. After theatrical run, it may appear on streaming platforms, but official streaming release details have not been widely published as yet.