The 2026 year in movies is now over a quarter over, and that begs the question: is there a frontrunner yet for horror film of the year? “Scream 7” may have surprised at the box office, but one would hardly call that sequel a thoroughbred. And Nia DaCosta‘s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a splendid oddity in tone, anchored by yet another noteworthy performance by Ralph Fiennes, but it’s likely doesn’t have the legs to win the horror race by year’s end.
READ MORE: ‘Hokum’ Review: Adam Scott Is Haunted By A Hotel Full Of Scares, Deaths & Secrets [SXSW]
Now “Hokum” enters the track: Irish director Damian McCarthy‘s new film starring Adam Scott. If there’s a dark horse pick for best horror film of 2026, it’s this one. Coming off unanimous praise at its world premiere at SXSW in March, McCarthy’s latest follows an author who travels to Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes, only to discover that the hotel he’s staying in is haunted.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Hokum,” courtesy of Black Bear:
When reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind. Soon, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance draw him into a nightmarish confrontation with the darkest corners of his past.
Along with Scott, “Hokum” also stars Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, and Austin Amelio. Florence Ordesh, Michael Patric, Will O’Connell, and Brendan Conroy round out the main cast.
McCarthy writes and directs “Hokum,” the third narrative feature of his career. His previous two films include “Caveat,” his 2020 debut, and the 2024 film “Oddity.” Producers on “Hokum” include Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Derek Dauchy, Ruth Treacy, Julianne Fore, and Mairtín de Barra.
As noted earlier, “Hokum” had its world premiere at SXSW 2026 last month, where it received unanimous praise from critics. The Playlist’s review awarded it an “A” grade, calling it “a throwback to classic horror movies” and likening Scott’s performance to James Caan‘s in “Misery.”
So, will “Hokum” end up as 2026’s most memorable horror film? Find out when it hits theaters everywhere on May 1 via NEON. Watch a trailer for McCarthy’s latest below.
