Adam Scott leads Hokum, an unusual supernatural horror film that mixes suspense, strange characters, and a mystery that rewards repeat viewing.
When I first saw the word Hokum, I thought it stood for some old Norwegian type of folklore. However, when I looked the word up, this is the definition I found: a device used (as by showmen) to evoke a desired audience response; pretentious nonsense. Not exactly what I thought at all, nor does it sound like a fitting name for a horror movie, though somehow it seems to fit the movie written and directed by Damian McCarthy (Oddity). The critically acclaimed film and box office hit premiered in March at SXSW and is now being released by Decal Releasing on 4K and Blu-ray for home purchase.
Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott; Parks and Recreation) is a successful writer trying to finish his latest novel but struggling with how to end the Conquistador trilogy. Haunted by his past and his parents' passing, he decides to go to a rural hotel in Ireland where his parents once stayed in happier times. Alienating most of the staff, Ohm makes friends with Fiona (Florence Ordesh; Departure), who tells him about the witch (newcomer Sioux Carroll) trapped in the honeymoon suite. Ohm then tries to hang himself but wakes up in the hospital because Fiona found him and cut him down. When he returns to the hotel to get his belongings, Ohm finds out Fiona is missing. Things only get stranger from there, with a mix of malice and the supernatural.
Scott is terrific in the lead role as the skeptical writer who doesn't believe in "ghost stories," yet has a warm and inviting face that leads much of the staff to talk to him, much to his chagrin. Ordesh is soft-spoken with a voice that sounds like warm butter and makes you believe what she is saying even if it sounds ridiculous. The supporting cast is made up of Carroll, Peter Coonan (King Frankie) as Mal, the front desk clerk and son-in-law of the hotel owner, David Wilmot (Anna Karenina) as Jerry, the old man who wanders the woods and befriends Ohm, Will O'Connell (Detainment) as Alby, the hotel bellhop and aspiring writer whom Ohm insults, and Michael Patric (The Quiet Girl) as Fergal, the groundskeeper. Together they assist Scott in telling this unusual tale.
The 4K disc is presented in 2160p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, giving the film plenty of detail and strong visuals. The overall color tone is muted, with drab and gray surroundings, and much of the movie takes place at night, so everything looks dark. However, the video is still clean and clear despite the darkness.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is really the highlight of the technical specs, though. Ambient sounds come from every direction and multiple speakers, giving the audio depth. The creepy score is robust as it hides behind the dialogue, making everything seem just a bit more eerie. Dialogue is clean and distinct.
The combo pack comes with the 4K and Blu-ray Discs and a handful of extras. The extras are limited and consist of Audio Commentary with writer/director Damian McCarthy, The Making of Hokum, "Jack the Donkey, A Family Favorite", Teaser Trailer, and Theatrical Trailer.
Hokum felt a little bit like two different movies meshed together, yet still somehow a little separate. The film is beautifully shot, and the script is interesting, melding different people's stories together. The scares come from the suspense and a few jump scares thrown in here and there, which, frankly, makes for some of the best horror movies.
I feel this is the type of movie a viewer needs to see more than once to get all of the nuances of the story and the characters, which is the mark of a very well-written film.
Grade: B
