Hokum (English) Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Adam Scott, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh
Director: Damian McCarthy
Hokum Movie Review Synopsis:
HOKUM is the story of a man in a strange hotel. American author Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) is struggling to finish his next novel, which is a part of a successful trilogy. He sees flashes of his mother's ghost and decides to head to The Bilberry Woods Hotel in rural Ireland. This is where his parents stayed during their honeymoon. He has brought his parents' ashes, which he wants to spread at a giant tree near the hotel. At the hotel, he comes across owner Cob (Brendan Conroy), his son-in-law and front desk executive Mal (Peter Coonan), groundskeeper Fergal (Michael Patric), bartender Fiona (Florence Ordesh), and bellhop Alby (Will O'Connell). He is rude toward everyone but develops a bond with Fiona. At night, Fiona, going by her gut feeling, opens Ohm's room to check if he is fine and gets the shock of her life. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Hokum Movie Story Review:
Damian McCarthy's story is novel and attempts to bring freshness to the genre. Damian McCarthy's screenplay is gripping. However, the writing could have been better in some places. The dialogues are fine and some of them have dry humour. As it happens with most films released by PVR Inox Pictures, there are no subtitles and hence, some dialogues might not be easy to comprehend.
Damian McCarthy's direction is praiseworthy. His biggest strength is unpredictability. You never know where the film will go next. Viewers will get a shock of their lives when Fiona enters Ohm's room; the sudden development catches viewers unawares. The entire angle of a haunted hotel being abandoned during off-season will give a déjà vu of THE SHINING [1980]. But soon, it becomes clear that there's no similarity between the two. The entire angle of the honeymoon suite, the basement etc. adds an intriguing touch to the narrative.
On the flipside, the film can get a bit confusing, even if one is watching the film with rapt attention. Hence, for a film like this, subtitles are very important and, in their absence, viewers might not be able to comprehend a few crucial dialogues. The protagonist’s personal tragedy is not well incorporated into the film. Also, it is quite shocking and unintentionally amusing that Ohm recovers despite the condition in which he is found. The makers should have opted for a more convincing and easy-to-digest plot point. Lastly, the elite nature of the film and lack of awareness can affect its box office prospects.
Hokum Movie Review Performances:
Adam Scott is natural in a very difficult role. He performs with ease even in challenging scenes. David Wilmot (Jerry) is like the second hero of the film and delivers a smashing performance. His role is also quite neatly fleshed out. Florence Ordesh leaves a huge mark in a small role. Will O'Connell is fine as Alby and he is also seen as Jack the Jackass. His transformation is praiseworthy. Peter Coonan and Michael Patric lend able support. Brendan Conroy is wasted.
Hokum movie music and other technical aspects:
Joseph Bishara's music enhances the eeriness. Colm Hogan's cinematography is splendid, in both exterior and interior shots. Til Frohlich's production design is rich and has a retro feel. Lara Campbell's costumes are realistic. The VFX is satisfactory while the action is fair. The makers could have opted for excessive gore, in keeping with the current trend, but they wisely chose restraint; it’s a welcome change indeed. Brian Philip Davis' editing is appropriate.
Hokum Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, HOKUM has an intriguing premise, unpredictable moments and some fine performances. However, the confusing narrative, underdeveloped emotional track and niche appeal limit its overall impact. At the box office, it will appeal mainly to a select audience that enjoys offbeat horror.