I’m Trevor with the Sasquatch Movie Minute with a look at HOKUM, directed by Damian McCarthy, starring Adam Scott. A cranky writer visits a haunted Irish hotel to write his next novel.

3.5 out of 5

Wow, what a fun ride, I particularly love when a film can immerse me in a unique culture, so I responded strongly to this Irish folklore fable. The plot runs slow, but never boring, the mood is unsettling and eerie, but does not trade in gore. It feels like an old haunted tale, told for generations. The set design and atmosphere are stupendously evocative. I really responded to the emotional thread of loss and healing here. The human monster part felt a little underdeveloped. There are 4 or 5 really loud jump scares that, while terrifying, felt unnecessarily big. The best scare in the film, was a simple tracking shot of Adam Scott entering a room. Near the end, there are some annoying plot logic holes and one backstory reveal too many.

Best Scene. The bar scene in the beginning is uncomfortable and punchy. Its well-written and the verbal jousting from Scott’s angry writer takes on additional meaning as the film continues. Also, the first basement chase is a masterpiece of tension and reveal.

Best Performance. This is the Adam Scott show and he curdles his usual pragmatic screen presence into something haughty and mean. His tone meshed well with the supernatural happenings and his subtle acting near the end really hit me.

A classic scary movie told well with emotion and release, perfect for a spooky night out!