Story perspectives

Damian McCarthy’s “Hokum” Debuts in Ireland, Critics Cite Over-Complicated Folklore

4/28/2026

Summary

Bauman Scatters Ashes

Director Damian McCarthy’s folk-horror film Hokum opens in Ireland on May 1, 2026.
The movie stars Adam Scott as author Ohm Bauman, who travels to the remote Bilberry Woods Hotel to scatter his parents’ ashes.
Bauman meets staff Mal, Alby, Fiona and manager Mr. Cobb, whose strange actions intensify the mystery.
Critics say the film blends folklore and horror but feels over-complicated, relying heavily on jump-scares.

Summary

Adam Scott Honored

Hokum premiered at SXSW on March 14, 2026, prompting screams.
Adam Scott received an Excellence in Acting award at CinemaCon 2026 with James Cameron and LaKeith Stanfield.
Scott said his love of horror classics such as The Thing and The Shining and his Scottish, Irish and Italian heritage shaped his performance.
The rollout began with a debut on April 29, 2026 in France and a Middle East release on April 30, 2026 through Front Row Filmed Entertainment.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man, starring Christopher Lee, presented a devout policeman confronting Celtic pagan rites on a remote Scottish island and helped define the folk-horror subgenre. The film won the Golden Licorn at the 1974 Paris International Festival and the 1978 Saturn Award, a legacy that modern titles such as Damian McCarthy’s 2026 folk-horror release continue to invoke.

1 of 3

Bauman Scatters Ashes

Director Damian McCarthy’s folk-horror film Hokum opens in Ireland on May 1, 2026.
The movie stars Adam Scott as author Ohm Bauman, who travels to the remote Bilberry Woods Hotel to scatter his parents’ ashes.
Bauman meets staff Mal, Alby, Fiona and manager Mr. Cobb, whose strange actions intensify the mystery.
Critics say the film blends folklore and horror but feels over-complicated, relying heavily on jump-scares.

1 / 3