Hokum is a Hollywood supernatural horror movie, released on May 1, 2026 in the United States starring Adam Scott as reclusive horror novelist Ohm Bauman, alongside Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh, Austin Amelio, and other main cast members. Written and directed by Damian McCarthy for Neon, the film follows a grieving writer who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, only to become ensnared in local folklore about a witch haunting the honeymoon suite, disturbing visions, and a shocking disappearance that compels him to confront the darkest corners of his own past.
Index
The movie commenced its theatrical journey with a release across approximately 1,200 theaters in the United States. As of its opening day on May 1, 2026, early domestic turnout has been encouraging for a specialty folk-horror title, driven by positive word-of-mouth from its South by Southwest premiere and the star power of Adam Scott.
This measured yet promising debut reflects sustained American audience interest in atmospheric, character-driven horror that blends psychological tension with supernatural folklore, even in a competitive spring marketplace dominated by broader releases. The film’s strong critical reception and targeted marketing by Neon position it well for potential legs among U.S. viewers who appreciate intelligent, slow-burn scares over jump-scare-heavy fare.
Hokum 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Hokum |
| Directed by | Damian McCarthy |
| Written by | Damian McCarthy |
| Produced by | Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Derek Dauchy, Ruth Treacy |
| Actor | Adam Scott |
| Actress | Florence Ordesh |
| Other Cast | Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Austin Amelio, Michael Patric, Will O’Connell |
| Cinematography | N/A |
| Edited by | N/A |
| Music by | N/A |
| Production Companies | Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Spooky Pictures, Tailored Films |
| Distributed by | Neon |
| Release Date | 1 May 2026 |
| Running Time | 101 minutes |
| Country | Ireland / United States |
| Language | English |
| Film Industry | Hollywood |
| Genre | Horror, Supernatural |
| Censor Rating | R |
Hokum Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | US Collection Gross (Millions) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Friday, May 1, 2026 | $2.62 Millions | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | Saturday, May 2, 2026 | $2.25 Millions | -14% |
| Day 3 | Sunday, May 3, 2026 | $1.55 Millions | -31% |
| Day 4 | Monday, May 4, 2026 | $0.65 Millions | -58% |
| Day 5 | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | $0.83 Millions | +28% |
| Day 6 | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | $0.55 Millions | -34% |
| Total US Gross (as of latest reported data, May 6, 2026) | – | $8.45 Millions | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross (as of latest reported data, May 6, 2026) | – | $10.1 Millions | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Hokum is a Hit or Flop
Hit
What is the budget of Hokum
The estimated budget of the film is around $18 Million.
Hokum Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT date: TBA
Our Review
Hokum stands as a masterfully crafted and deeply unsettling supernatural horror film that reaffirms Damian McCarthy as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary genre cinema. Adam Scott delivers a revelatory performance as Ohm Bauman, infusing the reclusive novelist with quiet vulnerability and mounting dread as folklore and personal guilt converge in the isolated Irish inn. The supporting ensemble, including Peter Coonan and David Wilmot, adds authentic texture to the local characters whose tales blur the line between superstition and reality.
McCarthy’s direction excels in building an oppressive atmosphere through shadowy cinematography, creaking sound design, and meticulously timed reveals, creating a haunted-house story that feels both classically eerie and disturbingly modern. For American audiences seeking elevated horror that prioritizes psychological depth and folklore-rooted chills over cheap thrills, the film offers a refreshing and immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Critically, Hokum has earned widespread acclaim with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and intelligent blend of folk horror and personal trauma. Reviewers have drawn thoughtful comparisons to McCarthy’s earlier works Caveat and Oddity, as well as classics like The Innocents and The Shining, yet the film carves its own identity through its grounded emotional core and refusal to rely on overused genre tropes.
Unlike many contemporary horror releases that prioritize spectacle, this entry succeeds through subtle dread, richly layered storytelling, and a willingness to let unease simmer. Its solid opening-day domestic performance on May 1 underscores Neon’s continued strength in distributing smart, mid-budget horror that resonates with discerning U.S. viewers in a crowded marketplace. Looking ahead, Hokum is ideally positioned to build momentum through strong word-of-mouth and sustained theatrical play before transitioning to home viewing platforms later this summer.
Its exploration of grief, guilt, and the supernatural carries timeless relevance that will endure beyond its initial release, particularly for American audiences drawn to thoughtful genre fare that entertains while provoking deeper reflection. For U.S. moviegoers who value atmospheric horror with genuine emotional stakes and outstanding craftsmanship, this release represents a standout achievement of 2026—one whose encouraging early box-office results affirm its value as a specialty title destined for long-term appreciation through repeated viewings, cultural discussion, and its place in the evolving landscape of intelligent horror cinema.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Hokum?
Hokum follows a horror writer who visits a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, only to be consumed by tales of a witch haunting the property.
Is Hokum based on a true story?
No, Hokum is a fictional supernatural horror film.
Who plays the lead role in Hokum?
Adam Scott plays the lead role of the horror writer Ohm Bauman.
When will Hokum be available on streaming?
Hokum is expected on major VOD and streaming platforms a few months after its theatrical release.
How does Hokum compare to other horror movies?
Hokum stands out for its atmospheric folk horror and psychological depth, offering a fresh and terrifying take on the haunted-house genre with strong emotional stakes.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in United States dollars (USD) and represented in millions, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
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