Director Damian McCarthy, known for the original horror film Oddity, returns with his latest chilling narrative, "Hokum," starring Adam Scott. This film delves into a twisted fairy tale gone wrong, offering audiences a unique horror experience. Collider’s Perri Nemiroff recently discussed the film with McCarthy and Scott, uncovering details about its challenging production, the evolution of its script, and the intricate design of its supernatural elements.

The story centers on Ohm Bauman, a prickly novelist portrayed by Adam Scott, who travels to a secluded inn in the Irish countryside to scatter his parents’ ashes. While at the inn, Ohm learns about a local legend of a witch haunting the off-limits honeymoon suite. Initially dismissive of the folklore, Ohm finds his skepticism challenged when the "hokum" becomes terrifyingly real after an inn employee disappears, forcing him to confront his own inner demons.

McCarthy revealed that "Hokum" was the most difficult script he had ever written, taking over two years and numerous drafts. His initial vision involved a complex plot with many ideas, but the writing process led to a simplification, aiming for a very simple story centered on a complicated character. A pivotal moment in the script's development was the introduction of Jerry, David Wilmot’s character. McCarthy realized Ohm needed assistance to survive the night, and Jerry's presence injected a crucial element of hope and the possibility of rescue, avoiding a convenient deus ex machina ending.

Adam Scott shared insights into the challenges of bringing the script to life. He found the climactic scene on the bed, where Ohm draws a circle for protection against the witch, particularly difficult to visualize and portray emotionally. However, working directly with McCarthy on set helped clarify the scene, making it a pivotal moment where Ohm acknowledges his situation and takes a stand. Scott also highlighted the terrifying basement scenes, especially Peter Coonan's character being dragged, which solidified for him once McCarthy physically mapped out the action.

The design of the witch in "Hokum" was a collaborative effort, with McCarthy working alongside costume designer Lara Campbell, hair stylist Jenny, and makeup artist Eve. Inspired heavily by a mushroom trip depicted in the film, elements of different mushroom species were woven into the witch's color, skin texture, and hair. This design choice subtly hints at the ambiguity of whether the witch is truly real or a hallucination. Simultaneously, McCarthy aimed to combine this unique aesthetic with the classic, archetypal look of a fairy tale witch. Regarding the witch’s dialogue, McCarthy disclosed that she tells Ohm in the basement, "He's waiting for you," referring to the devil, and tells Peter, "You're the father," indicating an awareness of his connection to Fiona.

McCarthy's approach to depicting the witch on screen involved careful restraint to maximize fear. He collaborated with cinematographer Colm Hogan to keep the witch slightly underexposed and hidden, creating suspense through subtle glimpses rather than full revelations. Editor Brian Philip Davis further refined this during post-production, teasing the witch's presence without fully revealing her, compelling the audience to use their imagination for a more frightening experience. McCarthy mentioned that while they shot more extensive close-ups and jump scares, they consciously held back in the final cut.

The production design, led by Til Frohlich and his team, alongside Paul McDonnell, played a crucial role in creating the film's atmosphere. They focused on finding or building props that felt steeped in history and character, such as items from second-hand shops and markets. McCarthy's favorite prop was a haunted clock with a cherub on top, which seemed to mess with Ohm’s character throughout the night. Adam Scott was particularly intrigued by the cherubs, noting that their facial expressions appeared to change, implying a neutral or even mischievous role. To capture this detail, larger versions of the cherubs were built, allowing for compelling close-ups that reveal their "cheeky little smile" to the audience.