- Hokum
Synopsis: A horror novelist visits an inn in Ireland to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware that the place has a reputation for being haunted. Review: "Hokum," written and directed by Damian McCarthy, demonstrates great skill in building an unsettling atmosphere, though it doesn't always manage to translate that quality into an equally engaging story. The isolated hotel, the shadowy corridors, and the persistent sense that something is wrong help create a stifling mood—the kind where even moments of silence seem to harbor a threat. McCarthy uses mirrors, shadows, and sound effects to evoke unease without constantly relying on jump scares. I appreciate this approach, as it shows an understanding of how horror can emerge from anticipation and the things we cannot see. Even so, effective as it is in this regard, the film ends up leaning quite heavily on its atmosphere to sustain interest. Adam Scott also deserves recognition for his portrayal of a protagonist who is far from likable. His character is cynical, rude, and often difficult to endure—which could have made the viewing experience exhausting—yet the actor manages to convey the pain and guilt underlying this behavior. Gradually, it becomes clear that his demeanor is not merely a personality trait, but a way of coping with traumas that continue to affect his life. This psychological layer adds substance to the narrative and makes the character compelling, even when his actions preclude any immediate sympathy. For me, this is one of the film’s most well-realized elements, though the emotional development doesn't always receive the attention needed to reach its full potential. Another interesting aspect lies in the play on the title itself. The word "hokum" can mean nonsense or humbug, and this concept ties into the way the film questions what is actually taking place. Between local legends, potential supernatural manifestations, and events open to alternative interpretations, the film attempts to keep the viewer in a state of uncertainty regarding what they are witnessing. This ambiguity complements the atmosphere crafted by McCarthy, creating moments where it becomes difficult to distinguish a genuine threat from the fear born of the circumstances. However, I felt this approach could have been executed more consistently; not all the clues and possibilities presented seem to contribute to a clearly defined narrative direction. The legend ultimately takes a back seat, serving more as a piece of world-building than as the core of the story. This may frustrate those expecting a film centered on a supernatural entity and its manifestations, as the narrative is far more invested in the investigation and the protagonist’s psychological conflicts. While there is nothing wrong with using folklore merely as a jumping-off point, this aspect needed further development to carry more weight. At the same time, the screenplay attempts to juggle a multitude of elements—rituals, pagan legends, psychedelics, a book written by the protagonist, and themes of familial grief. This abundance of ideas leaves the plot feeling scattered, with some elements seemingly abandoned before they could be properly explored. These limitations become most apparent in the final act. After building such a promising atmosphere, "Hokum" appears to struggle with organizing its own ideas and delivering a conclusion that ties everything together. Certain revelations and events unfold too quickly, while other issues lack the development they deserved. While this doesn't negate the merits of the direction or Adam Scott’s strong performance, it leaves the impression that the film could have been far more compelling had it focused its efforts on fewer elements. Ultimately, it is a horror film that succeeds in creating discomfort and sparking curiosity, yet its story fails to match the strength of its atmosphere. There are good moments throughout the experience, though a lack of cohesion keeps it from being as memorable as it could have been.Hokum - The Boxtrolls
Synopsis: Egg, an orphan boy, was raised by the Boxtrolls, peculiar and lovable creatures who live in the sewers of Cheesebridge. Afraid of being captured by the ruthless Archibald Snatcher, the Boxtrolls can only leave the underground at night. Review: "The Boxtrolls," directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi, is an animation that immediately grabs attention with its strange and personality-filled universe. The mix of stop-motion and digital effects brings to life a Victorian city that seems straight out of a grotesque tale, with detailed settings, quirky characters, and creatures that manage to be both funny and fascinating. There is enormous care in the visual construction, and this makes even the darkest corners of Cheesebridge have something interesting to observe. It's the kind of animation that manages to win you over with its appearance and creativity, even when the story doesn't take full advantage of all the possibilities it presents. What I like most about the film's premise is how it plays with the idea of who truly represents good and evil. The Boxtrolls are treated as dangerous monsters by the population, but when we get to know these creatures, we realize they are docile, fearful, and far less threatening than humans make them seem. This inversion strengthens the narrative because it leads us to question how fear and prejudice can transform someone different into an enemy. While the townspeople believe they are protecting themselves from a threat, it is precisely their own attitudes that fuel injustice. It's a simple message, but one that fits well with the animation's peculiar style. The satire of Cheesebridge's elite is also one of the most interesting aspects. The wealthy residents' obsession with fine cheeses, elegant clothes, and social titles reveals a society preoccupied with preserving appearances, even when far more important problems are happening around them. The humor arises precisely from this contrast between the exaggerated importance they give to trivial things and their indifference to the suffering of others. The film critiques inequality and the need for status without abandoning its fantastical tone, showing how the desire to belong to a privileged group can lead people to accept absurdities and treat others as inferior. This part of the story gives greater meaning to the peculiar universe that was created. Archibald Snatcher is another highlight, mainly due to his exaggerated and unpredictable behavior. In the original version, Ben Kingsley's voice helps build a villain who mixes cruelty, ambition, and an almost theatrical side, making his appearances quite fun to watch. Snatcher is not just someone who desires power, but someone willing to manipulate the fear of others to get what he wants. His obsession with being accepted by the elite directly matches the film's social critique, as his actions reveal how far someone can go to gain recognition. Even with the comedic tone of the animation, he manages to convey a real threat and become one of the most memorable characters in the story. Despite so many qualities, I felt the Boxtrolls themselves could have been developed more. The concept of creatures living inside boxes is creative and provides a good portion of the film's visual appeal, but their origins and motivations end up taking a backseat. The narrative focuses more on following human conflicts and the protagonist's journey than on exploring the culture of these creatures, leaving some questions unanswered. I don't think every animation needs to explain every detail of its universe, but in this case, knowing a little more about the Boxtrolls could make the relationship with them even more interesting and strengthen the emotional side of the story. "The Boxtrolls" is a visually striking animation, with a good critique of prejudice and social hierarchies, as well as an antagonist who stands out for his personality. Its unusual aesthetic and humor help differentiate it from other productions of the genre, and the way it transforms seemingly frightening creatures into victims of intolerance is one of its greatest successes. Still, some ideas deserved to be further developed, especially when it comes to the Boxtrolls themselves, who end up being less explored than the initial concept suggests. It's a creative film full of personality, which has a lot to offer, even if it doesn't fully exploit everything it builds upon.The Boxtrolls
