TL;DR
- The official trailer for Hokum has been released.
- The horror film stars Adam Scott as a novelist confronting supernatural forces.
- The movie is directed by Damian McCarthy, known for the indie horror films Oddity and Caveat.
- The story revolves around a haunted Irish inn tied to an ancient witch legend.
- Neon will release Hokum in theaters on May 1, 2026.
What Does the Trailer for Hokum Reveal?
The newly released trailer for Hokum delivers a chilling glimpse into a psychological folk-horror story steeped in grief, folklore, and unsettling imagery.
The film follows a withdrawn novelist named Ohm Bauman, played by Adam Scott, who travels to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. What begins as a quiet moment of mourning quickly spirals into something far darker when the staff recounts legends about a witch said to haunt the building’s honeymoon suite.
The trailer flashes disturbing images of corpses, eerie rabbit-like figures, and nightmarish visions that suggest Bauman’s reality may be unraveling as he becomes consumed by the inn’s terrifying folklore.
What Is Hokum About?
At its core, Hokum blends psychological horror with supernatural folklore.
The story centers on Bauman’s attempt to process grief after losing his parents. However, the isolated inn he chooses for his retreat carries a dark history. Local tales speak of an ancient witch connected to the property, and soon Bauman begins experiencing disturbing visions that blur the line between myth and reality.
When a mysterious disappearance occurs, the novelist is forced to confront not only the supernatural threat surrounding him but also long-buried secrets from his own past.
Who Stars in the Film?
Alongside Adam Scott, the film features a strong supporting cast including Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh, Will O’Connell, and Michael Patric.
The film is written and directed by Damian McCarthy, whose previous films Caveat and Oddity have built a cult following among horror fans for their eerie atmosphere and psychological tension.
Why Are Horror Fans Already Paying Attention?
One reason Hokum is generating buzz is McCarthy’s growing reputation within the horror genre. His previous films have been praised for their slow-burn tension and unsettling storytelling style.
The trailer also hints at strong influences from Celtic folklore, particularly shape-shifting creatures like the Pooka — mythical beings often associated with rabbits and trickster spirits. That folkloric angle gives the film a haunting atmosphere that feels closer to modern folk-horror classics than typical jump-scare thrillers.
Combined with NEON’s reputation for championing bold genre films, the project is already attracting attention from horror fans eager for something strange and atmospheric.
When Will Hokum Release?
Hokum is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2026, with Neon handling distribution in the United States.
The release date also aligns with Walpurgisnacht, a European holiday historically linked to witches and supernatural folklore — a fitting choice for a film steeped in eerie legends and occult imagery.
