Adam Scott Brings Comedy Timing to Horror in New Irish Film 'Hokum'
Adam Scott, widely known for his comedic roles, has steadily built a notable body of work in horror, including Hellraiser IV, Krampus, and Severance. His latest foray into the genre is 'Hokum' , an Irish horror film directed by Damian McCarthy.
"There’s a lack of control when you’re genuinely laughing or frightened."
Key Details
- 'Hokum' opens in theaters on May 1st.
- Scott portrays Ohm, a novelist who travels to a hotel in Ireland to spread his parents' ashes.
- Scott was drawn to the character arc, in which the protagonist softens over the course of the film.
Why He Joined the Project
Scott was particularly attracted to working with McCarthy due to his admiration for McCarthy's previous film 'Oddity' , specifically its ability to "imbue inanimate objects with terror." He described McCarthy's set as relaxed, staffed with a trusted crew, and located in the beautiful Irish countryside.
The Solo Acting Challenge
A significant hurdle for Scott was acting largely alone for several weeks in the hotel's honeymoon suite set. He described the environment as dark and unsettling, making it easy to feel scared and claustrophobic.
"It was like playing tennis by myself."
Scott noted that he usually depends on other actors for scene dynamics, making the solo performance an unusual and demanding experience.
The Comedy-Horror Connection
Scott observed parallels between comedy and horror, noting that both genres involve creating and breaking tension. He emphasized that there is a fundamental lack of control when experiencing genuine laughter or fear, a connection that informs his performances in both genres.