‘Hokum’ Review: Adam Scott Confronts His Demons and an Ancient Witch
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Damian McCarthy’s film "Hokum" blends familiar horror tropes with absurd moments, creating an unsettling and unpredictable viewing experience that challenges straightforward interpretation.
- The story centers on Ohm Bauman, a troubled novelist played by Adam Scott, who retreats to an old Irish hotel to scatter his parents’ ashes and confront his traumatic past.
- The hotel’s quirky inhabitants, including a talkative bellboy, a mushroom-consuming eccentric, and narcissistic goats, contribute to the film’s eerie and surreal atmosphere.
- The narrative builds toward a climax in the hotel’s sealed honeymoon suite, where Ohm faces the unresolved psychological wounds linked to his family’s violent history.
- "Hokum" is noted as McCarthy’s most accomplished feature, effectively combining folk horror elements with dark humor and psychological depth.
