Hokum (2026) – A Haunting Irish Mystery That Blends Folklore, Trauma, and Suspense

 

I recently watched Hokum, and it's a film that genuinely grabbed my attention. It's a visually stunning movie with a story that pulls you in from the start. There's a mystery surrounding a haunted hotel, a missing person, and a suspect already accused of killing his wife. On top of that, the protagonist—a writer—has his own personal struggles and finds himself caught between these mysterious and horrifying events. It's a blend of horror and mystery with deeper meanings that kept me thinking.

My honest rating? 8 out of 10. It's a film I could see myself rewatching to enjoy the mystery, thrill, and horror all over again.

Hokum (2026) The Plot: A Writer, A Haunted Hotel, and Dark Secrets 

The story follows Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) , a cynical and successful American author struggling with writer's block and the lingering trauma of his mother's death. He travels to the remote Bilberry Woods Hotel in rural Ireland to scatter his parents' ashes—the same place where they spent their honeymoon.

Almost immediately, Ohm's abrasive personality rubs the hotel staff the wrong way. But his skepticism about the supernatural is shattered when he learns of the hotel's dark legend: a witch, known as the Cailleach, is said to haunt the honeymoon suite, dragging shackled souls through the underworld .

Things take a terrifying turn after a near-death experience. Ohm is saved by Fiona (Florence Ordesh), the hotel's bartender and the only person he's formed a bond with. However, upon his return from the hospital, he discovers that Fiona has vanished without a trace. Now, Ohm must team up with Jerry (Austin Amelio), a local eccentric who claims he can communicate with the dead, to uncover the hotel's darkest secrets and find out what really happened to Fiona .

What Worked: Atmosphere, Mystery, and Adam Scott

Adam Scott's Performance: Scott delivers a career-best performance, completely different from his comedic roles in Parks and Recreation and Severance. He plays a "prickly, unpleasant person"—arrogant, rude, and closed off . But as the story unfolds, you learn more about him and begin to understand why he is this way. His portrayal of a man unraveling under the weight of his past is compelling and deeply unsettling .

The Atmosphere: Director Damian McCarthy builds an incredible sense of dread. The isolated Irish hotel, the misty hills, and the slow-burn pacing create a claustrophobic and unnerving experience. He doesn't rely on cheap jump scares; instead, he makes you feel like something is always lurking just out of sight .

The Mystery: The film's strength is its layered mystery. You're constantly trying to piece together what's real and what's a hallucination. Is it the witch? Is it a human killer? Is it Ohm's own guilt manifesting? The film keeps you guessing until the very end .

The Themes: At its heart, Hokum is about guilt, trauma, and the need for closure. The witch and the hotel's horrors serve as a metaphor for Ohm's inability to confront his past. The film is a haunting exploration of how the sins of the past can trap you in a living nightmare .

The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Folk Horror Fans

My rating is 8 out of 10. Hokum is a fantastic example of elevated horror. It's not just about scares; it's about story, character, and atmosphere. It effectively blends Irish folklore with a psychological thriller, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience. Some viewers might find the pacing slow, but for those who appreciate atmospheric, character-driven horror, it's a must-watch .

Recommendation: Watch it if you enjoy folk horror films like The Witch or Oddity. Give it your full attention—the details and atmosphere are best appreciated without distractions.

Have you seen Hokum? Did the blend of Irish folklore and psychological terror work for you? Let me know in the comments!

And suggest a movie for my next review! I'm in the mood for another atmospheric horror film.

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See also My full list of 2026 movie reviews →