Adam Scott has returned to the horror scene with Hokum and is exploring a seldom-seen darker side of his acting repertoire.
In his third directorial venture, Damian McCarthy, who previously gained attention with Oddity, presents Hokum. In this film, Adam Scott portrays Ohm Bauman, a solitary writer who visits a secluded inn in the Irish countryside following the death of his parents, the same place where they celebrated their honeymoon. Although his initial plan was to spread their ashes, Ohm soon uncovers the inn’s eerie history, particularly its honeymoon suite. The situation escalates when a staff member disappears, and Ohm is plagued by ghostly visions that link back to his own past.
Following his role in Osgood Perkins’ adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey, Scott stars in Hokum alongside notable actors such as Peter Coonan from Bad Sisters, David Wilmot of House of Guinness, Austin Amelio from The Walking Dead, and Florence Ordesh, among others. The film premiered at SXSW on March 14 and has so far received predominantly favorable reviews from critics.
During an interview at SXSW with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan, Adam Scott discussed his participation in Hokum. He expressed admiration for McCarthy’s previous work, particularly praising Oddity from 2024 as “extraordinary.” He found the script of Hokum “super interesting” and was intrigued by the opportunity to play a character with more villainous traits than usual. Scott, known for playing likable characters like Ben in Parks and Recreation and Gary in Little Evil, was excited about playing “not the most pleasant person in the world.”
Adam Scott: The character’s placement and journey in the script were both intriguing and terrifying. I found the script disturbing yet a lot of fun. The well-written and engaging story made it all the more attractive, and I just needed to dive in and bring it to life without messing it up.
When discussing why he chose Scott as the lead for Hokum, McCarthy explained that Ohm’s character spends much of the movie alone, often without dialogue, requiring an actor who is compelling to watch. He likened the film to a “simple one-man show” and felt that Scott was perfectly suited for this role. McCarthy also mentioned the initial unlikability of Ohm as a challenge, as it risks alienating the audience early on, but emphasized that the character remains fascinating throughout.
Adam Scott: The shooting process was fun. After a few weeks of dialogue, we faced a period of three weeks with no dialogue at all. It was daunting because I had to carry these parts of the film without saying a word.
The Significance Behind the Title ‘Hokum’ and Its Connection to Scott’s Character
ScreenRant: What does ‘Hokum’ mean?
Damian McCarthy: ‘Hokum’ essentially means nonsense, something absurd. It reflects the disbelief of Adam’s character toward the local myths of witches and ghosts, and also mirrors deeper aspects of his character.
ScreenRant: Are your films with one-word titles like Caveat, Oddity, and now Hokum connected?
Damian McCarthy: There are no direct connections between the films. They usually revolve around a prop, a place, or a person. I’m not building a universe; it’s more about thematic similarities.
ScreenRant: What influences your filmmaking, especially in Hokum?
Damian McCarthy: I often draw inspiration from John Carpenter, especially ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’. I enjoy films where the protagonist is trying to survive through the night, such as ‘Evil Dead II’. The ’80s cinema had a timeless appeal which I try to echo in my work.
ScreenRant: What’s your favorite movie soundtrack?
Adam Scott: I love the soundtracks to ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ and ‘Stand By Me’. They have a nostalgic significance for me, especially the ’80s tracks in ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’.
Damian McCarthy: ‘Southland Tales’ is remarkable for its mix of Moby’s score and existing songs by Muse. It’s an eclectic blend that complements the film’s unique tone.
ScreenRant: Is there anything else about the film you’d like to share?
Damian McCarthy: The film doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s scary, but there’s a comedic element as well. Adam encounters many bizarre characters, which adds to the entertainment value.
Adam Scott: Damian has a unique perspective that finds new ways to frighten and entertain the audience. It’s what makes him a distinctive and exciting filmmaker.
Hokum hits theaters on May 1!
Explore More ScreenRant Coverage from SXSW:
- Sun Never Sets Review
- Dead Eyes Review
- One Another Review
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
