Summary (tl;dr)

The term "hokum" is trending due to the wide theatrical release of the highly anticipated supernatural horror film "Hokum," which has garnered critical acclaim.

Essential Background

"Hokum" is the latest film from Irish director Damian McCarthy, known for his previous horror successes "Caveat" (2020) and "Oddity" (2024). His films often feature a blend of unsettling folk horror, unique characters, and claustrophobic settings. The term "hokum" itself generally refers to nonsense or absurdity, a point that some critics have noted in relation to the film's title, questioning if it's a self-aware nod to horror tropes.

The Full Story

The film "Hokum," starring Adam Scott, was released in theaters across the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom on May 1, 2026, following its premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival on March 14, 2026. The movie is a supernatural psychological horror set in a remote Irish hotel, where an American author, Ohm Bauman, travels to scatter his parents' ashes but instead finds himself embroiled in a mystery involving a missing woman and local folklore about a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Critics have praised the film for its atmospheric storytelling, psychological tension, and Adam Scott's performance, solidifying Damian McCarthy's reputation as a master of modern horror.

Why It Matters

The trending of "hokum" highlights the significant impact of a critically acclaimed horror film on popular culture and entertainment discourse. Its success further establishes director Damian McCarthy as a prominent voice in the folk horror genre and showcases Adam Scott's versatility in a darker role. The film's blend of psychological horror, Irish folklore, and exploration of themes like grief and trauma resonates with audiences and critics, sparking discussions about the genre's evolving landscape.

Geographic Location

• West Cork, County Cork, Ireland (principal photography of "Hokum")
• Austin, Travis County, Texas, United States (SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere of "Hokum")
• United States (theatrical release of "Hokum")
• Ireland (theatrical release of "Hokum")
• United Kingdom (theatrical release of "Hokum")
• United Arab Emirates (theatrical release of "Hokum")