Is this new horror starring Severance favourite Adam Scott really the scariest film of the year so far?

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Lately, it’s a common trend for new horror movies to be immediately called the scariest films ever released.

Over the past two years, especially after the viral success of the horror film Longlegs, it feels like movie studios are really pushing the scary aspects of any film that even hints at horror. They’re doing this by using exaggerated and over-the-top quotes in posters and online ads, promising viewers they’ll be truly terrified and won’t be able to sleep.

It seems like every new horror movie is hyped as the scariest thing ever – recent examples include ‘Undertone’ and Lee Cronin’s ‘The Mummy’. While horror is definitely having a moment, as shown by the success of films like ‘Sinners and Weapons’, it feels like the marketing might be overpromising on the scares.

Must everything be the scariest thing ever?

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So, this week I checked out a new horror flick called Hokum, and it’s already getting a reputation for being seriously scary – which, you know, always piques my interest. It’s the third film from Damian McCarthy, who you might remember from his excellent movie Oddity last year – definitely give that one a watch if you haven’t. This one stars Adam Scott – yeah, Mr. Severance himself – and he plays an American author named Ohm Bauman. He goes all the way to a secluded inn in the Irish countryside to scatter his parents’ ashes; they actually honeymooned there, which adds a nice, creepy layer to the whole thing.

It quickly becomes clear that something is off about this strange hotel. Almost immediately, Ohm sees the owner telling a chilling story to two children about a Cailleach – a figure from ancient Irish mythology who is a type of witch.

Ohm doesn’t believe in the supernatural and quickly rejects the idea that anything strange is happening. He refuses to accept the story that a mythical woman, the Cailleach, has been trapped in the hotel’s honeymoon suite for decades. However, as he stays longer and meets unusual people, learning about a baffling disappearance, he begins to realize that something is actually wrong.

This movie joins a well-established group of films featuring troubled writers isolating themselves in unsettling hotels, like ‘The Shining’ and the Coen Brothers’ ‘Barton Fink’. Overall, it’s a strong entry in this type of story, with Scott giving a compelling performance as a flawed character who slowly becomes entangled in a spooky mystery.

So, how frightening is it, really? While writer and director McCarthy definitely creates a creepy atmosphere, the film isn’t just about scares. It’s filled with dark humor, particularly whenever the eccentric, hallucinogen-loving character Jerry (played by David Wilmot) appears.

The film consistently creates a genuinely unsettling mood, filled with disturbing visuals. It also offers a compelling look into the main character’s internal struggles and demonstrates a strong understanding of Irish folklore. Be warned, though – a few scenes might be upsetting for some viewers.

As the movie progresses, especially once the couple arrives at the seemingly haunted honeymoon suite, it relies more on sudden scares, though none are as effective as one found in the upcoming film, Obsession. Without giving anything away, there’s a particularly well-crafted scene where Ohm tries to signal for help, building tension in a remarkably controlled way.

Hokum delivers a good mix of scares and entertainment, making it a genuinely enjoyable movie, particularly when watched with others. It’s not among the most terrifying films ever made, but it could very well be the scariest one released this year so far!

Hokum is released in UK cinemas on 1 May 2026.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed all kinds of films.

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2026-04-30 20:04