Hokum

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Glenn Weldon, Jordan Cruciola, and Monica Castillo dive into the atmospheric horror film *Hokum*, starring Adam Scott as a deeply unlikable, trauma-riddled writer who returns to a haunted Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes. The film, directed by Damian McCarthy and shot with striking visual darkness by cinematographer Colm Hogan, leans into folk horror tropes—creepy legends, isolated settings, and supernatural dread—while exploring themes of guilt, emotional rot, and the burden of storytelling. The panel praises the film’s immersive sound design, tight single-location tension, and the bold choice to make Scott’s character a sociopathic jerk rather than a sympathetic victim, calling it a refreshing departure from the current trend of trauma-driven horror. They debate whether the film’s reliance on a backstory undermines its impact, with some arguing that the character’s cruelty is earned and others feeling it veers into melodrama. The discussion also touches on how horror has always functioned as a metaphor for unresolved psychological pain, even if modern audiences now label it 'trauma' more explicitly. Despite its October-ready tone, the film’s May release feels like a deliberate act of defiance against seasonal expectations. The episode concludes with a strong recommendation for fans of slow-burn, psychologically rich horror. The hosts emphasize that *Hokum* demands a dark theater and a willingness to embrace discomfort, warning that viewers who dislike scary movies will find little to enjoy. They also reflect on the cultural shift in how we discuss mental health in storytelling, noting that while the language has evolved, the core emotional truths in horror have always existed. The conversation underscores the power of ambiguity in horror—where mystery often outshines resolution—and celebrates *Hokum* as a bold, visually stunning, and emotionally complex entry in the genre.