Hokum (2026) is a supernatural horror film written and directed by Damian McCarthy, based on his own short story. Praised by critics as a modern haunted-house mystery, Hokum combines ghostly suspense and a slow-burning murder mystery into one haunting package.

But just how scary is Hokum?

To find out, FearScale monitored the heart rate of our latest test subject, Justine, while she watched the film. This is the same viewer who can’t make it through a real haunted house without hiding behind her hands. Would Hokum send her pulse soaring, or would its slow-burn approach keep her heart rate under control?

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SYNOPSIS:

A horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch.

FearScale™ Methodology

FearScale measures how frightening a horror film truly is by monitoring real-time heart rate data from human test subjects during controlled viewing sessions. Each subject’s baseline resting heart rate is recorded prior to the film, allowing us to identify meaningful spikes caused by tension, dread, shock, or sustained unease.

Heart rate increases are tracked throughout the runtime and correlated with specific scenes to determine when fear responses occur, and how intense they are. This data-driven approach helps separate genuine physiological reactions from subjective opinions or post-viewing impressions.

Because fear is personal, FearScale does not claim universal results. Instead, each session offers an objective snapshot of how a film impacts the human body under consistent conditions, providing a unique, measurable lens on horror.

Where We Monitored: Home Viewing

Test Subject: Justine

Age: 36

Gender: Female

Fears: Phasmaphobia or the fear of the supernatural

Resting Baseline HR: 61-65bpm

Walking HR: 80-85bpm

FEARSCALE ANALYSIS:

Hokum (2026) opens inside the imagination of a troubled writer before quickly introducing the audience to the film’s eerie atmosphere. An early jump scare nudged our test subject’s heart rate from 63 BPM to 69 BPM, producing the first measurable FearScale reaction.

Following the opening sequence, the film slows its pace. While scares are limited during the first act, a growing sense of unease hangs over every scene. Adam Scott’s charm and subtle humor help balance the darkness as the story gradually unfolds.

A journey to spread ashes leads our protagonist to an unusual hotel hidden among dark woods and strange encounters. The mystery deepens as unsettling events begin to accumulate around a honeymoon suite.

Around the 40-minute mark, Hokum starts cashing in on the tension it has been building. Questions surrounding the hotel’s secrets become increasingly difficult to ignore. Is something supernatural at work, or is there a more human explanation hiding behind the haunting events? The uncertainty keeps our subject engaged while gradually raising her heart rate.

Hokum’s Scariest Moments

The film reaches its highest FearScale readings during its basement sequences. When the protagonist becomes trapped in a haunted basement filled with disturbing imagery, claustrophobic spaces, and one particularly creepy rabbit, our subject’s heart rate climbed above 80 BPM for the first time.

Hokum generates fear through atmosphere. The shadows seem darker, the hallways feel narrower, and every creaking sound suggests danger waiting just out of sight. The film’s final act maintains this pressure exceptionally well. Our subject’s heart rate remained above 70 BPM for most of the finale as the mystery intensified and long-awaited answers began to emerge.

Unexpected FearScale Observation

One surprising result from our test involved a side character rather than the main protagonist. Our subject displayed the strongest emotional reaction when a supporting character found themselves in danger. Sometimes empathy can elevate a heart rate just as effectively as any ghost, monster, or jump scare.

Hokum Trigger Warnings

Viewers should be aware of the following themes:
• Haunted hotel setting
• Grief and loss
• Death
• Psychological distress
• Disturbing imagery
• Claustrophobic environments
• Supernatural themes
• Moderate jump scares
• Creepy rabbit imagery

CONCLUSION:

Hokum begins as a slow burn before evolving into an engaging supernatural mystery filled with tragedy, suspense, and haunting imagery. While the film delivers moderate scares, its greatest strength is its ability to sustain mild tension over long stretches. The movie’s blend of ghost story, murder mystery, and psychological horror creates an experience that steadily increases anxiety. Just don’t blame us when you get the witchy explanation! 😉

• Peak Heart Rate: 86 BPM
• Average Heart Rate: 71.16 BPM
• Calories Burned: 196
• FearScale Rating: Moderate Fear
• Best Viewing Environment: Alone in a dark room

FearScale Viewing:

For the highest FearScale results, watch Hokum alone in a dark room. The film’s shadowy hallways, isolated setting, and claustrophobic atmosphere become far more effective without distractions. Turning off the lights allows the hotel’s eerie environment to fully surround you, creating a more immersive and suspenseful viewing experience.

Fear Calorie Burn Comparison:

Our FearScale test subject burned 196 calories while watching Hokum.

That’s approximately equal to:
• Up to two servings of mushroom tea, depending on preparation
• Nearly 40 minutes of casual walking
• About 20 minutes of light cycling

Not bad for sitting still and letting a haunted hotel do all the cardio.

More FearScale Results

• They Will Kill You: (Heart Rate Breakdown)

• Undertone: (Heart Rate Breakdown)

How many Fear Calories did you burn watching Hokum?  Let us know in the comments below or on Instagram, and Facebook