There’s a chill in the air as the mist rolls across Ireland’s rugged West Cork coastline. Adam Scott’s character, Ohm Bauman, arrives with grief in his pocket, carrying the ashes of his deceased parents, seeking a quiet place to reflect. But the inn he rents whispers a darker story—a haunting that taps into the ancient, the unknown, and the inexplicable.
This is Hokum, Damian McCarthy’s latest supernatural horror, a filmmaker whose signature “funky little freaky‑eyed monster” style has already captured the attention of genre aficionados. Fans of McCarthy’s Oddity know to expect unsettling visuals, creeping dread, and a sense that something is always watching, just out of the corner of your eye.
Mark Your Calendar: Hokum Release Date
The Hokum release date is officially May 1, 2026, when Neon will bring this eerie story to U.S. theaters. With a spring release, Hokum positions itself as one of the first major supernatural horrors of the year, giving audiences an early taste of spine-tingling suspense.
Plot: Grief Meets the Supernatural
Adam Scott stars as Ohm Bauman, a writer journeying to Ireland to lay his parents to rest. What seems like a solemn, reflective task quickly turns sinister when the inn staff mention the ghostly presence of a witch who haunts the property. As strange occurrences escalate, Bauman’s reality begins to warp—blurring the line between folklore and nightmare.
The story doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it builds tension through atmosphere, folklore, and psychological unease. Every creaking floorboard and flickering candle could be the prelude to a terrifying revelation.
Cast: Horror Meets Talent
- Adam Scott as Ohm Bauman, the grief-stricken author
- Peter Coonan (The Alienist: Angel of Darkness)
- David Wilmot (Station Eleven)
- Austin Amelio
- Florence Ordesh (Departure)
- Will O’Connell (Game of Thrones)
- Michael Patric (Frontier)
With this ensemble, McCarthy balances rising indie talent with seasoned actors, all under a team of producers including Roy Lee (Weapons), Steven Schneider (Insidious), Derek Dauchy (Late Night with the Devil), and Julianne Forde, Ruth Treacy, and Mairtín de Barra. Executive producers Ben Ross, Dan Kagan, Rami Yasin, and Andrew Childs round out a production team committed to chilling audiences with style and story.
Production: Filming the Fear
Principal photography took place in 2025 across the haunting landscapes of West Cork, Ireland. McCarthy’s direction is complemented by the lush, misty scenery, creating a sense of isolation that mirrors Ohm Bauman’s inner turmoil. Every shadow and silhouette is meticulously planned to evoke unease, maintaining McCarthy’s signature unsettling aesthetic.
The film is written and directed by Damian McCarthy, continuing his unique approach to horror storytelling, where psychological dread and supernatural folklore intertwine seamlessly.
Official Trailer
The teaser emphasizes atmosphere over gore—misty exteriors, shadowy interiors, and glimpses of what might or might not be the witch haunting the inn. Fans of McCarthy’s prior films will recognize his careful framing of suspense and eerie visuals that stay with you long after the screen goes dark.
Fan Reactions: Excited for the Unknown
Early buzz on Reddit shows both excitement and trust in McCarthy’s creative vision:
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Fans are particularly intrigued by Scott’s genre pivot from comedy and drama into supernatural horror, and many are already theorizing about the inn’s secrets and the potential for folklore-inspired terror.
Final Thoughts: McCarthy’s Most Ambitious Nightmare Yet
Hokum positions itself as one of the most atmospheric and anticipated horror films of 2026. With Damian McCarthy’s signature eerie style, Adam Scott’s lead performance, and the haunting landscapes of Ireland as a backdrop, the film promises to deliver a chilling, intelligent horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
As May 1 approaches, horror fans should brace themselves for a story where grief, folklore, and the supernatural collide, and where every shadow could be hiding something far more sinister than imagined.
What do you think lies in wait at that remote Irish inn? Share your theories before the film opens!
FAQ
When is the hokum release date?
May 1, 2026, in U.S. theaters via Neon.
Who stars in Hokum?
Adam Scott leads, with Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Austin Amelio, Florence Ordesh, Will O’Connell, and Michael Patric in supporting roles.
Who directs and wrote the film?
Damian McCarthy.
Where was Hokum filmed?
West Cork, Ireland.
What kind of horror is this?
Supernatural and psychological horror with strong folklore elements.
