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Hokum Opens in Theaters With Strong Praise for Atmosphere and Adam Scott

The release marks Damian McCarthy’s biggest platform yet, showcasing his craft-first, folklore-driven horror to a wider audience.

Overview

  • The film, which opened in theaters Friday, has drawn early acclaim for its eerie mood, intricate production design, and well-timed scares across outlets including the Los Angeles Times, The A.V. Club, and Tom’s Guide.
  • Adam Scott plays an American novelist who checks into a remote Irish inn and is pulled into a missing-person case tied to a sealed honeymoon suite and local witch lore, blending folk horror with a grounded mystery.
  • Director Damian McCarthy says he favors suggestion over heavy lore dumps, building tension through objects, spaces, and careful staging rather than rules explained on screen.
  • Not all reviews are raves, with some critics arguing the story feels overstuffed or loses focus once the action centers on the hotel’s forbidden room.
  • Scott recounted yelping during a post-production session when a scare caught him off guard, and trade coverage notes this is McCarthy’s most widely released feature to date through NEON.