Hello r/movies, I'm Damian McCarthy. I've directed HOKUM (in theaters now, starring Adam Scott!), ODDITY, and CAVEAT. I'm here to answer your questions.
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Synopsis: When novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents' ashes, he is consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance forces him to confront dark corners of his past.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/jP2nDyQWBOU?si=kibBxuKY17vIf004
- Written and Directed by Damian McCarthy
- Starring Adam Scott
- In theaters now from Neon
- Tickets: https://hokum.film/
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Ask me anything! I'll be around to answer questions at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET today, Friday 5/15/
-Damian
by Damian-AMA
43 Comments
When is you’re next film, totally in love with the films of yours
Hello. Loved Oddity and Hokum (I’ll admit I haven’t seen Caveat but will fix that). My question – if you could remake any horror movie which would it be and why? Thanks and wishing you much success in your future.
when will you make a stoner comedy
Hi Damian! Hokum includes a plot point about the connection between psychedelics and spirituality/the supernatural. Is that just something you thought would be a cool idea for a movie or do you believe there really is something to that?
Big fan of your films! What are your favourite horror and non-horror movies? Is there any one in particular that you feel inspired you to direct your own?
Long may you continue to do horror movies. You have a really unique voice.
But…is there , by any chance in your mind, a plan to do movies of any other genres?
Hi! Love all your films. Were there any alternate endings to Hokum you explored?
What is your favourite folk horror movie?
This director doing an AMA for his creepy horror movies like Oddity and Caveat is a solid chance to hear the behind the scenes madness.
Hi Damian, thanks for joining us!
Can you tell us how Adam Scott’s casting came about?
Hey Damian! Loved Hokum!!
How did you find the balance for traditional folklore while incorporating your own story? Are there any specific traditional tales that helped you with Hokum but weren’t shown or hinted at?
Hello Mr Damien, what is your favorite Forza horizon game?
Hello! What’s the reason every one of your films has some sort of bunny imagery in it?
Do you believe in ghosts/the supernatural?
I loved the Easter eggs and connective tissue you leave for us, such as the rabbit from Caveat popping up again in the antiques shop in Oddity. Do you view your movies as occupying a bit of a shared universe, or is it purely in fun?
I really enjoyed the Oddity and Caveat. I wish I could see Hokum in theaters, but in my country there are no screenings available of the movie. I wanted to ask which scene from all of your movies made you most excited to direct?
Hi Damian! Loved Hokum. Is there anything about your movies you don’t get to talk about too much that you’d like to mention?
Whether a funny behind the scenes story, a hidden tidbit, etc.
Hello Damian! Huge fan of Oddity and Hokum, definitely some of my favorite horror films over the last few years. I would consider you one of the best up-and-coming horror directors (maybe the best 😃), so do you have any plans/desire to make a high profile/budget horror film to become a household name? Thanks!
Hi Damian! I really don’t get into the horror genre but your movies I absolutely love! Random question though. Do you have a favorite rollercoaster?
What’s behind the double doors in the basement!!!?? (Hokum)
Hi Damian, can you summaruse Hokum in 5 words.
Absolutely loved Hokum! I really enjoyed the little Easter egg towards caveat too I love seeing interconnected stories but not to the point where they all feel like crossover events!
My question is do you have any reference material that helped you build the world of your films? Any folklore material or other films that helped shape the idea for your stories? Thanks!
Hey Damian! Big fan of your work.
What was it like working with Adam Scott? Is he as effortlessly hilarious off camera as he is in movies?
Hi Damian, I really enjoyed Oddity and I look forward to see Hokum !
Do you think evil is something exterior to the human mind that “contaminates” it, or do you think it’s ingrained in our minds and therefore a part of us ?
What film invokes dread for you better than other? Dread is the sauce I’m after with horror.
In Hokum, were there any intended hints that Cob had killed people before by giving them to the witch? My partner and I were trying to understand where the witch got all the trinkets that were hanging in the basement, and Mal specifically said that Cob had threatened to kill him multiple times.
We got it in our heads that Cob might have locked the witch in the suite to control her, rather than provide safety.
What one-word title where I *kindof* know what the word means but not fully will you give your next film?
Hi Damian, Adam Scott has such a different acting profile like subtle, controlled facial expressions. How did you know that he would be the right bet for a movie like hokum. Also, fantastic setting as always, liked your movie a lot. Please keep those coming.
Hi Damian! I loved Hokum, and I came out of it feeling like the film possessed a certain quality that reminded me of early 20th century mystery novels. Was this an inspiration for you? If not, what did your mood board look like? Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the future!
What is your scriptwriting process? How many versions do you have before the final draft?
Mr. McCarthy, how many dragons, demons, and/or evil white rabbits do I need to slay to get a chance to even give you an elevator pitch for a movie, and get a chance to work with a visionary such as yourself? I’m willing to bare knuckle box ’em if I need to.
Hey! I watched Oddity about a year ago and friggen loved it. So when I saw the initial Hokum trailer and saw your name attached, I knew I was going to be there day one. And yep, I really liked it too.
My question is-
In both Oddity and Hokum, it feels like you have a lock on the Uncanny Valley where the objects/creatures feel just a touch, a smidge, wrong, and that creates a wonderful atmosphere where it feels like something is going to go wrong any second. What kind of draws you to those looks? And did any movie (or set of movies) inspire this?
Hi Damian, I’m a big fan of your work! As someone currently in school for film/TV production, I would really like to know your process for script writing or any tips you might have for someone who wants to go into the industry. Thank you for doing the AMA and I look forward to future films from you!
Hi Damian, what one thing from childhood most enthralls you?
Love your movies, I rarely go to the theater but I’ll get out to see whatever you make. You’re one of the kings of atmospheric horror.
Hi! Haven’t watched any of your movies yet. Which one should I start with?
Damian, you are now successful enough that I feel comfortable engaging in nepotism. I think my Uncle knew your Da. Please give me a role in your next movie. GRMA.
How was it like working with Adam Scott?
Caveat was a very good movie. Easily in my top 5 list and I’m somebody who has watched a lot of horror movies.
When will hokum be available for stream ?
Hi, Damian! Absolutely loved Hokum!
It was one of those movies that reminded me of how great and effortless a well-made horror film can feel. I found that many of the best instances of fear utilized a great sense of space and sound (like the scene of Ohm in the bed). To what would you owe this skill, or how would you describe your approach to making something feel so organically scary?
Hi Damien,
How much, if at all, are you influenced by giallo films? I find there are some very interesting parallels, particularly in Oddity, but also in Hokum with the outsider protagonist in an unfamiliar setting.
The old cars, was that a stylistic choice to make things seem out of time or budgetary?
I’ve only seen cavaet and its pretty up there with the movies that managed to scare me.
What other movies do you like that scares you?