‘Hokum’ review – A Haunting That Cuts Deeper Than Fear
Story: A Familiar Premise, Told with Quiet Precision
Hokum follows Ohm Bauman, a reclusive horror novelist played by Adam Scott, who travels to a remote Irish countryside hotel to scatter his parents’ ashes. What begins as a solemn personal journey quickly spirals into something far more unsettling. Disappearances, whispered folklore, and a supposed witch haunting the honeymoon suite blur the line between reality and psychological torment. director Damian McCarthy leans into a deceptively simple setup, allowing the story to unfold like a slow-burning descent into guilt, trauma, and buried childhood wounds. While the premise echoes familiar territory, its emotional undercurrent gives it weight.
Performances: Adam Scott Anchors the Chaos
At the heart of the film is Adam Scott, delivering one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Ohm is deeply internal—dry, withdrawn, and quietly unraveling. Scott balances sarcasm with vulnerability, making Ohm both frustrating and empathetic. The supporting cast—ranging from eccentric innkeepers to unsettling locals—adds texture to the narrative, though they largely orbit around Scott’s central performance. This is very much his film, and he carries it with controlled intensity.
Technicalities: Atmosphere Over Shock Value
McCarthy’s direction is confident and measured. Drawing clear inspiration from The Shining and its psychological horror lineage, the film thrives on mood rather than spectacle. Wide framing isolates the protagonist, reinforcing his emotional detachment, while the eerie Irish landscapes become characters in themselves. Sound design is particularly effective—subtle, creeping, and often more disturbing than the visuals. While the film occasionally dips into predictable jump scares, it never relies solely on them, instead prioritizing a lingering sense of unease.
Analysis: Between Homage and Identity
“Hokum” doesn’t reinvent horror—it refines it. Its dna is unmistakably rooted in stephen King-style storytelling, blending supernatural elements with emotional trauma. The film walks a fine line between homage and originality, occasionally leaning too heavily on familiar tropes. Yet, its sincerity prevents it from feeling hollow. At its core, this is less about ghosts and more about confronting the past. The horror here is internal, and that’s where the film finds its strongest footing.
What Works 👍
• A deeply committed and nuanced performance by Adam Scott
• Strong atmospheric direction with immersive sound design
• Emotional depth that elevates a familiar premise
• Tight pacing across its 107-minute runtime
What Doesn’t 👎
• Relies on overused trauma-as-horror tropes
• Occasional predictability in scares
• Secondary characters lack depth
Bottom Line 🎯
“Hokum” may not redefine horror, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a moody, character-driven film that values emotional resonance over cheap thrills. It lingers not because it terrifies you—but because it understands you.
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