“Hokum” currently holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 84 critiques, signaling a broad consensus that writer-director Damian McCarthy has delivered something more layered than a conventional genre entry.
Why ‘Hokum’ Is Striking a Chord With Critics
Premiering at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in March ahead of its U.S. release via Neon, “Hokum” centers on a grieving writer who travels to rural Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes, only to find himself entangled in a chilling local legend. The premise may sound familiar, but critics have been quick to point out that the picture’s execution avoids predictable beats, instead leaning into atmosphere and character-driven tension.
Much of that impact is credited to Adam Scott, whose performance as the increasingly unmoored protagonist has been widely singled out. Reviewers describe his portrayal as both tightly controlled and quietly volatile, capturing a man who appears out of place long before the supernatural elements take hold.
Critics have also emphasized the film’s tonal balance. While unmistakably a horror story, “Hokum” reportedly weaves in elements of mystery and folklore without diluting its sense of dread. The screenplay has been noted for maintaining grounded stakes while allowing moments of dark humor and emotional weight to surface naturally.
Visually, the movie has drawn attention for its use of unsettling imagery and deliberate pacing. Cinematography plays a central role in building tension, with reviewers highlighting how the camera lingers just long enough to create discomfort before delivering more direct scares. The result, according to multiple critics, is a production that generates unease as effectively in silence as it does in its more overtly frightening sequences.
Taken together, the response suggests that “Hokum” is resonating not simply as a horror title, but as a hybrid that engages audiences beyond the genre’s usual boundaries. With its theatrical release set for May 1, the picture arrives with a level of critical momentum that positions it as one of 2026’s most closely watched entries in supernatural cinema.
