From Little Acorns

Shelby Oaks is the result of the most successful ever horror movie Kickstarter campaign. Helmed by popular YouTube critic Chris Stuckmann, it is positioned as a fright flick "for fans, by fans". While it isn't the obnoxious disaster such a mission statement could have led to, and actually shows a fair amount of promise, it does end up feeling like an homage to better films.

The film opens as a mockumentary detailing the disappearance of a group of ghost hunting YouTubers called the Paranormal Paranoids. It then appears we are dealing with a found footage movie when, twelve years on from the disappearance, Mia (Camille Sullivan) watches creepy footage of her sister Riley (Sarah Durn) who was the Paranoids' on camera psychic. Turns out the film is neither of these things but more of an occult mystery as Mia follows the clues to find her missing sister whom she is sure is still alive.

As you can imagine, a film that begins with two fake out beginnings is a little muddled. It is definitely attempting to be a "vibes" movie, with the emphasis on creepy atmosphere but it's too slow, with the frights too thin on the ground, to be effectively scary. Although we follow Mia, she doesn't really drive the plot and while that is explained come the end, it makes the story feel a bit aimless. The actual reveal of what has been going on is crazy enough to feel worthwhile, even if the timeline of events will leave you scratching your head.

For a first time independent movie, everything looks very polished and while the influences of everything from Lake Mungo to Rosemary's Baby are clear, it does have some of its own style. Perhaps a little too much, with Stuckmann guilty of over-directing on more than a few occasions. The camera whooshes around when you wish it would just stay still and there are continual unnecessary cuts to the main character's distressed face. When you've managed to secure Keith David to deliver an impactful monologue and can't even keep the camera on him while he does, you know things have gotten out of hand.

Aside from David's brief cameo, the acting on display is serviceable rather than impressive, with Robin Bartlett's lady in the woods the only stand out amongst the supporting cast. Camille Sullivan is game in the lead role but the camera spends so much time in her face that she can't help but over-egg the pudding at some points.

Mike Flanagan is on board as executive producer but that feels like a purely money deal and everything on display is a labour of love from Stuckmann. He shows promise but will need to step out from behind the "remember this film?" curtain if he is to have a real impact in the genre.

6 aggro dogs out of 10

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