AceShowbiz - The final trailer for the folk horror movie Hokum has been released by NEON, revealing the chilling monster at the story’s core and building anticipation for its May 1, 2026, theatrical debut. The trailer showcases a blend of unsettling imagery and early critical acclaim, with reviewers describing the film as “pure nightmare fuel.” It offers viewers a first clear glimpse of the terrifying witch central to the plot, alongside haunting elements that protagonist Ohm Bauman must confront.

Adam Scott stars as Ohm Bauman, a novelist who travels to a remote Irish inn to scatter his late parents’ ashes. Upon arrival, he encounters eerie local lore about an ancient witch haunting the inn’s honeymoon suite. Initially dismissing the stories as mere superstition, Ohm soon realizes the sinister nature of his surroundings as strange symbols, disembodied voices, and glimpses of a dark presence begin to invade his reality. The film’s atmosphere is punctuated by quick, disturbing flashes that hint at the deep psychological and supernatural horror Ohm faces.

This role marks a departure for Scott, showing a more vulnerable, intense side of the actor compared to his previous, friendlier characters. Speaking at SXSW in March, where Hokum was featured, Scott explained that the film allowed him to “reverse course” from his typical roles. He said, “I kind of have played a lot of friendly, affable people as of late, and wanted to try and reverse course and play someone who, when the story starts, isn’t the most pleasant person in the world.” He further praised the script as “disturbing” and “a lot of fun,” highlighting the frightening journey his character undergoes.

The film’s director, Damian McCarthy, who previously made his feature debut with the SXSW Audience Award-winning Oddity, described the title Hokum as “nonsense” and “ridiculous.” He explained that the name reflects Ohm’s initial skepticism toward the local folklore and may also symbolize the deeper inner turmoil the character experiences throughout the movie. McCarthy teased that the film explores more than just surface-level superstition, hinting at profound psychological themes beneath the horror.

Alongside Scott, the cast features Peter Coonan from Bad Sisters, David Wilmot of Bodkin, and Florence Ordesh, with additional performances by Will O’Connell, Michael Patric, Siox C, Brendan Conroy, Austin Amelio, and Ezra Carlisle. The film benefits from a strong production team including horror veterans Steven Schneider, known for his work on Paranormal Activity and Insidious, and Roy Lee, who has produced notable projects like IT: Welcome to Derry.

The story centers on Ohm Bauman’s unsettling stay at the inn, where the witch’s legend is more than just folklore. As he experiences disturbing visions and witnesses a sudden disappearance, Ohm is forced to confront both supernatural threats and his own unresolved past. The trailer’s brief but haunting portrayal of the witch offers just enough to unsettle viewers without fully revealing the horrors that await.

Hokum runs for 101 minutes and promises to be a chilling addition to the folk horror genre, blending psychological depth with classic scares. The film’s release on May 1, 2026, aims to captivate horror fans with its eerie setting and intense performances, particularly from Scott, who embraces a complex, darker character journey. As anticipation builds, the trailer sets the tone for a film that is as disturbing as it is intriguing, inviting audiences to explore the thin line between myth and reality.

With Damian McCarthy directing and a production team boasting experience from major horror franchises, Hokum is poised to make a significant impact. The collaboration between creative forces and a strong ensemble cast suggests a film that skillfully balances atmospheric dread with psychological tension, making it a must-watch for genre enthusiasts this spring.