What Is “Hokum”? The Viral Buzzword Unpacked—and Why Everyone’s Talking About It

The haunted-hotel thriller “Hokum” arrives in U.S. theaters on May 1, riding a surge of online buzz for its mix of Celtic folklore, claustrophobic scares and a breakout turn from Emmy-nominee Adam Scott. Set almost entirely inside the remote Bilberry Woods Hotel in rural Ireland, the story follows blocked American novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) who checks in to scatter his parents’ ashes—and finds himself stalked by a local witch, a chatty bellhop and a flock of narcissistic goats that treat car doors like mirrors. Director Damian McCarthy (“Caveat,” “Oddity”) uses creaking dumbwaiters, maze-like hallways and clockwork jump scares to turn the inn into a living puzzle box, channeling “The Shining” while doubling down on folk-horror atmosphere. “Hokum” is McCarthy’s biggest production yet, financed by genre powerhouse Neon and shot on location in County Wicklow. Supporting players Peter Coonan, Florence Ordesh, David Wilmot and Will O’Connell round out a cast that pivots between dark comedy and full-tilt terror, while composer Sarah Buckley’s discordant strings echo throughout stone corridors to keep tension spiking. Early reviews are glowing: The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, praising Scott as “perfection” and calling the film a “hugely enjoyable chiller” that destabilizes viewers with moments of absurdity. Gizmodo likewise hails the movie as “scary as hell,” highlighting McCarthy’s knack for weaponizing mundane objects—bells, elevators, even room keys—for maximum dread. For horror fans searching “Hokum release date,” “Hokum movie review,” or “Adam Scott new horror film,” the answer is clear: screenings begin nationwide Friday with Thursday-night previews in select cities, and advance tickets are available now through Fandango and major cinema chains. Neon has also confirmed a 45-day exclusive theatrical window before the film heads to premium VOD and, later, Shudder. Between its star power, rave early notices and viral trailer moments—watch for the goat jump scare—“Hokum” is poised to be the must-see genre event of spring 2026. Arrive early, keep an eye on the elevators, and remember: at the Bilberry Woods Hotel, you can check in, but you might not check out.