Full Breakdown
Hokum (2026): Damian McCarthy’s Folk-Horror Film Starring Adam Scott
5/2/2026, 6:42:37 AM
Plot Overview
Hokum follows American novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) who travels to the Bilberry Woods Hotel in rural West Cork, Ireland, to scatter his parents’ ashes. The hotel’s locked honeymoon suite is said to be haunted by a witch. When bartender Fiona (Florence Ordesh) disappears, Bauman investigates, confronting a series of supernatural events—including a ghostly mother, a dumbwaiter corpse, and a disturbing children’s TV host—while confronting his own trauma over his parents’ deaths.
Production Background
Director Damian McCarthy, whose earlier features *Caveat* (2020) and *Oddity* (2024) established a reputation for atmospheric Irish folk horror, wrote and directed Hokum. Filming took place on location in Skibbereen, County Cork, with production design by Til Frohlich, cinematography by Colm Hogan, and a score by Joseph Bishara. Neon handled theatrical distribution.
Key Personnel
The film stars Adam Scott as Ohm Bauman, with Florence Ordesh as Fiona, Peter Coonan as manager Mal, David Wilmot as a local resident, and supporting roles by Michael Patric, Will O’Connell, Brendan Conroy, and Austin Amelio.
Data & Statistics
Hokum runs 101 minutes, carries an R rating for violence and language, and opened nationwide on May 1, 2026 via Neon. A digital release follows later in 2026.
Why It Matters
Hokum contributes to a revival of Irish folk horror, using local folklore to explore grief, guilt, and the clash between rational skepticism and supernatural belief. Early critical consensus positions the film as one of the year’s most effective horror experiences.
Official Statements & Responses
McCarthy said his goal is to catch viewers off-guard after they anticipate conventional scares, deliberately delaying the payoff. Scott said the final cut gave him a strong sense of fear and praised the film’s ability to surprise audiences.
Criticism & Opposition
Some reviewers note that the script forces a redemptive arc for Bauman and includes exposition that addresses the audience directly, reducing narrative ambiguity.
On-the-Ground Reports
Early screenings reported audible whimpering and collective gasps, indicating strong audience engagement with the film’s jump-scare moments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the streaming launch window, citing estimates from three to six months after theatrical release, and on whether the tone is “slow-burn” or “jump-scare” driven.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
After theatrical run, Hokum will be available for digital purchase and rental, with a Hulu streaming debut projected for fall 2026. McCarthy plans further folk-horror projects.
