With horror fans raving over the recently released psychological thriller *Shelby Oaks*, writer and director Chris Stuckmann has provided insight into the unexpected yet grim ending of his first feature film. In a recent interview, the YouTuber-turned-filmmaker explained why he chose to conclude his debut outing as a director in such a depressing manner, while also breaking down the final moments of the movie.
### Chris Stuckmann on Why the Gruesome Ending Was Necessary for *Shelby Oaks*
Speaking with *Variety*, Stuckmann opened up about the bleak ending of *Shelby Oaks*, stating that he always envisioned the film finishing on a somber note, much like his “favorite horrors.”
“There was never any question for me. All of my favorite horror films tend to have an ending that sticks with you,” the *Shelby Oaks* director said.
Stuckmann also revealed the feedback he received while deciding on such a divisive conclusion, noting, “Obviously, when you’re trying to get your script seen, there are going to be people who make requests, especially some of the less risk-taking producers. I was always very adamant that this has got to be the way it is.”
### The Story Behind the Ending
*Shelby Oaks* centers around a woman’s quest to find her missing sister. The film ends with Mia (Camille Sullivan) finally locating and rescuing her sibling, Riley (Sarah Durn), from an occult ritual. However, she soon ends up sending Riley to her death, thereby materializing the demonic prophecy she had worked so hard to prevent.
Further breaking down the film’s climax, Stuckmann said, “If you want to look at just the emotion of it, when something happens to you when you’re younger that leaves a scar or some kind of trauma, it sticks with you. You could view that literally as a crack in a window.”
The director elaborated, “If you don’t fix it or try to better your life, you just let it sit there and fester and grow and spider-web into something worse. Eventually, it will probably eat you alive. That’s been the emotional idea behind this thing that has always been looming in the background of Riley and Mia’s life, which is also literally represented by this window in the conclusion of the movie.”
Stuckmann’s choice to end *Shelby Oaks* on such a grim note reflects his desire to create an emotionally resonant horror experience—one that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/2049243-shelby-oaks-ending-director-explains-why
