Adam Scott, known for his roles in television series such as *Severance*, *Parks and Recreation*, and *Big Little Lies*, makes a notable transition to the big screen with the supernatural horror film *Hokum*. The film, released in cinemas recently, follows Scott’s character, Ohm Bauman, a hard-drinking bestselling horror author who visits rural Ireland at Halloween to scatter his parents’ ashes where they honeymooned.
The story is set primarily at the Bilberry Woods Hotel, where Ohm stays. However, unlike his parents, he is barred from staying in the hotel’s Honeymoon Suite, which staff claim is now occupied by a local witch. The suite, locked and shrouded in mystery, serves as a central point for the film’s unfolding supernatural events.
Directed by Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy, known for *Oddity*, *Hokum* blends elements of haunted house and folk horror genres. The narrative incorporates familiar motifs reminiscent of Stephen King’s work, alongside surreal touches that evoke *Donnie Darko*, creating an unsettling yet engaging atmosphere. The plot also incorporates hallucinogenic elements symbolized through scenes involving goat milk infused with magic mushrooms.
Scott’s portrayal of Ohm Bauman brings a relatable, everyman quality that anchors the film’s unsettling tone. The movie’s unconventional opening sequence, featuring a Spanish conquistador in a desert setting, introduces a layer of ambiguity that maintains audience intrigue and enhances the film’s offbeat character.
While some viewers might find the story’s layering of horror tropes somewhat overextended, *Hokum* effectively builds suspense throughout its runtime. The film employs a series of jump scares to maintain tension, and memorable imagery—such as an eerie rabbit figure with ping-pong-ball eyes—adds to its nightmarish aesthetic.
Overall, *Hokum* delivers a distinctive contribution to the supernatural horror genre, combining classic influences with director McCarthy’s unique vision and Scott’s compelling lead performance.
