The upcoming horror film Hokum delivers a moody supernatural story set inside a mysterious countryside hotel in Ireland. Directed by Damian McCarthy, the film blends psychological tension with eerie folklore as it follows a troubled novelist confronting strange and unsettling events.
At the center of the story is American author Ohm Bauman played by Adam Scott. The writer travels to Ireland with the intention of scattering his late parents’ ashes while also trying to complete the final section of his book series called the Conquistador Trilogy. However his journey quickly becomes unsettling when he checks into an isolated hotel surrounded by dark woods.
The building known as the Billberry Woods Hotel holds deep personal significance for Ohm because his parents once stayed there during their honeymoon. The only photograph he owns of his mother shows her standing near a mysterious tree in the nearby forest. Her tragic death shortly after that trip still haunts him and shapes his withdrawn personality.
During his stay Ohm clashes with several staff members including a stern handyman named Fergal a talkative front desk clerk Mal and an ambitious bellhop Alby who dreams of becoming a writer himself. The only person he seems to trust slightly is Fiona the hotel bartender who later becomes an important ally.
The strange atmosphere of the hotel is intensified by unusual local stories and suspicious behaviour. The hotel owner Mr Cobb warns visitors about a terrifying witch that once roamed the surrounding forest and is believed to be trapped in the locked honeymoon suite. Meanwhile an eccentric man living in a van nearby claims strange potions made with mushrooms can protect people from supernatural forces.
As events unfold the tension grows when a hotel employee disappears and the building prepares to close for the season. Despite the strange happenings Ohm decides to stay longer which eventually leads him to investigate the mysterious honeymoon suite after hearing its call bell ring repeatedly.
The film slowly reveals darker secrets hidden within the hotel walls as Ohm struggles with both supernatural threats and his own traumatic past. Director Damian McCarthy builds suspense through shadowy visuals eerie sound design and a haunting setting that makes the hotel itself feel like a character in the story.
Although the film maintains a steady pace and strong atmosphere some parts of the narrative remain unclear leaving several mysteries unresolved. The movie blends elements of ghost stories psychological horror and personal drama but not every thread fully connects.
Despite those flaws the performance of Adam Scott keeps the story engaging as his character becomes increasingly desperate while trapped inside the ominous hotel. With its creepy setting and unsettling folklore Hokum offers horror fans a chilling if imperfect supernatural mystery.
