In Damian McCarthy’s Hokum, creepy folklore and dripping, dread-soaked atmosphere make for a slow (yet effective) haunting experience. Yep, this is the kind of film that seeps under your skin one quiet moment at a time, building unease in a way that feels both classic and grounded. Just know that it’s less about jump scares (although there are a few) and more about letting the mood wash over you in an unsettling, almost hypnotic fashion. At its core lies a nicely structured, tightly wrapped tale - one woven with intriguing layers and simmering mysteries. There’s just enough ambiguity to keep you leaning forward the whole way through. While the story itself is compelling in its peculiar, folkloric appeal, it’s the performance from Adam Scott that seals it. Typically known as a charismatic, inherently likable presence, Scott isn’t so much that here. When we first meet his character, he’s… frankly, kind of a dick. It’s uncommon for a horror protagonist to be this immediately unlikable, but McCarthy leans into it, allowing the audience to sit with the discomfort before slowly peeling back the reasons behind his demeanor. As the film progresses, that initial harshness makes his eventual emotional shifts - and redemption - all the more satisfying. The supporting cast adds considerable depth as well. McCarthy fills the film with a wonderful lineup of local Irish talent, each bringing authenticity and personality to even their roles. Their presence helps ground the more supernatural elements, creating a world that feels lived in and culturally rich. The hotel setting, meanwhile, is practically a character in its own right. Everything in it hints at a long, unsettling history. As for the scares, the film’s witchy antagonist is undeniably skin-crawling, and the slow-burn pacing creates several moments of genuine unease. However, this isn’t the type of horror that will leave audiences clutching their seats in panic. Instead, it excels as a meticulously constructed creeper - one that thrives on tension and mood rather than shock. All told, Hokum is a well-crafted, atmospheric horror story that rewards patience and attention. And, for fans of moody folklore, this is absolutely a gem worth “checking in” to.