theophaneia

Hokum

first of all: the screen was packed out for this, which is always a delight to see with any independent original horror film!! this lands somewhere between mccarthy's two previous films for me, some really great scares and a solid lead performance from adam scott (who, despite playing a total piece of shit, still manages to make you root for him) however chunks of this feel like a rehash of prior ideas to me (most notably the shining, and no not just because it's set in a hotel), not to mention certain signposty moments that would've benefitted from a lil show-don't-tell work still it is great to watch a new horror figure blossoming, especially to this level, and no doubt this is the start of a new chapter for damian mccarthy!

breanne

Hokum

So what im hearing is that a chalk circle will not only save me from sea bears but witches as well? also adam is incredible in this uGH or well everyone actually wahhh

ImAChillGuy

Hokum

This movie has alot of good ideas and timelines, just for me, it was a little underwhelming. I wanted more screentime for the donkey and the witches. It was designed so well but given, in my opinion, short screentime. Overall, a great time, great opening and closing scene, great creature design, creepy moments (couple for me and the whole theatre was gasping at some scenes), it does drag a little bit. However, I do recommend it. Ps: Bleak endings> Happy endings.

a24stanacct

Hokum

"You're scared? You should be." Damian McCarthy once again has absolute command of the screen, creating stories that blend modern-day horror with centuries-old folklore, and a practiced knack for a perfect jumpscare. That being said, Hokum feels the weakest of his work due to the concept and story beats primarily being tread before. In addition, the ambiguity of the magic mushrooms reveal-- the long-dreaded "it was all a dream"-- ends up trivializing the prior stakes. The commitment to minimalism in Caveat and Oddity only work in their favor, and I hope to see a return to form going forward.