Adam Scott's 'Hokum' Delivers Genuine Frights, Even for Its Star

Key facts

• Adam Scott stars as prickly author Ohm Bauman in the Irish horror film 'Hokum'.
• The film is directed by Damian McCarthy, known for 'Oddity'.
• Scott's character travels to Ireland to scatter his parents' ashes near a remote hotel where they honeymooned.
• A hotel employee played by Florence Ordesh goes missing, driving Ohm's investigation.
• Scott audibly yelped during a post-production breathing recording when a ghost appeared behind him.
• Scott's earliest horror role was in 1996's 'Hellraiser: Bloodline'.
• Scott cites 'The Thing', 'Hereditary', 'The Shining', and 'An American Werewolf in London' as favorite horror films.

A Jump Scare That Caught the Actor Off Guard

Adam Scott, best known for his comedic roles in 'Parks and Recreation' and the acclaimed series 'Severance', has a new horror film that is proving genuinely frightening — even for its star. During a post-production recording session for 'Hokum', Scott was tasked with recording his character's breathing as he walked across a room. As the scene played, the ghost of his dead mother appeared behind him, prompting an audible yelp from the actor. “The fact that something that I'm in really terrified me there for a second, and completely caught me off guard, really says something,” Scott recalled. The director, Damian McCarthy, reportedly responded with a calm, “Oh. OK. Well, that's an interesting choice, but all I need is just like breathing sounds.”

The Story: A Prickly Author Confronts Supernatural and Personal Ghosts

In 'Hokum', Scott plays Ohm Bauman, a cantankerous author who travels to Ireland to scatter his parents' ashes near a remote hotel where they honeymooned. He learns of a witch that haunts the honeymoon suite, which remains cordoned off from guests. Ohm dismisses the stories as 'hokum', but when a hotel employee who showed him kindness goes missing, he becomes determined to uncover the truth. As Ohm investigates, he faces dead bodies, claustrophobic dumbwaiters, and a creepy children's show designed to unsettle viewers. The film weaves these supernatural elements with Ohm's own past, forcing him to confront the ghosts of his history.

Scott's Horror Roots and Appreciation for Character-Driven Scares

Scott's foray into horror is not new; his earliest movie role was in 1996's 'Hellraiser: Bloodline'. He admitted he took the job not out of fandom but because it was work. “It wasn't because I was a 'Hellraiser' fan,” he said. “It was because it was a job that I got. I don't think I had seen a 'Hellraiser' movie.” When discussing his personal taste in horror, Scott gravitates toward films that prioritize character and story. He cited John Carpenter's 'The Thing', 'Hereditary', 'The Shining', and 'An American Werewolf in London' as favorites. “All these movies have these great character-driven stories that would stand on their own, whether or not they are horror,” he explained.

The Film's Scares Are Crafted, But the Actor Felt Them Real-Time

Scott noted that the process of filming horror is not inherently scary, as it takes place on a safe soundstage. Yet the post-production moment proved otherwise. The director needed only breathing sounds, but the unexpected visual of the ghost caused Scott to jump. The incident underscores the effectiveness of McCarthy's filmmaking. Scott described 'Hokum' as “profoundly scary” and said it “really sneaks up on you in a really fun way.” He enjoys watching audiences scream during screenings, finding satisfaction in their reactions.

Wider Context: A Comedic Actor's Versatility in Horror

Scott's career has spanned comedy and drama, but his horror roles have been sporadic. 'Hokum' marks a return to the genre after nearly three decades, showcasing his range. The film, directed by Damian McCarthy of 'Oddity' fame, adds to a growing body of Irish horror cinema that blends folklore with psychological tension. The film's release in theaters now positions it as a potential sleeper hit for horror enthusiasts. Scott's involvement may draw fans of his television work, while the film's supernatural premise appeals to genre aficionados.

What Comes Next: 'Hokum' in Theaters and Audience Reactions

'Hokum' is currently playing in theaters. Early audience reactions have been positive, with many praising the film's atmosphere and Scott's performance. The actor's own genuine scare during production has become a talking point, adding a layer of authenticity to the film's marketing. As Scott continues his work on 'Severance', 'Hokum' offers a dark detour that may broaden his appeal. The film's success could lead to more horror projects for the actor, who has proven he can handle both the comedic and the chilling.

The bottom line

• Adam Scott's genuine yelp during a post-production session highlights the film's effective scares.
• 'Hokum' stars Scott as Ohm Bauman, an author investigating a missing hotel employee in a haunted Irish hotel.
• The film is directed by Damian McCarthy, known for 'Oddity'.
• Scott's horror career began with 1996's 'Hellraiser: Bloodline', a job he took without being a fan.
• Scott prefers horror films that are great movies first, citing 'The Thing', 'Hereditary', 'The Shining', and 'An American Werewolf in London'.