A new supernatural thriller backed by Abu Dhabi is arriving in cinemas across the UAE and the Middle East this week as the horror film “Hokum” prepares for its regional release.
The film officially opens on May 7 and is already attracting attention after receiving strong reviews during its international rollout.
Partly filmed in the haunting Remah Desert in Al Ain, the movie is being viewed as another major step for the UAE’s growing film industry.
“Hokum” is backed by Image Nation Abu Dhabi in partnership with Spooky Pictures and Cweature Features.
The production reflects Abu Dhabi’s wider goal of becoming a stronger player in the global entertainment industry.
The film was directed by Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy, who is known for psychological horror projects including Oddity and Caveat.
McCarthy has gained a strong following among horror fans for creating films that focus on tension, suspense, and atmosphere instead of relying only on traditional jump scares.
“Hokum” premiered earlier this year at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, where it received positive reactions from critics and audiences.
The film currently holds a strong approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and also reached the top five films at the US box office category during its overseas release.
Leading the cast is Adam Scott, best known for his performances in Severance, Parks and Recreation, and Big Little Lies.
Scott plays Ohm, an American novelist struggling with grief, loneliness, and alcoholism.
In the story, Ohm travels to a remote hotel in rural Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes in a place that once held special meaning for them.
What begins as a personal journey soon turns into psychological terror after he discovers strange events surrounding the hotel.
The film features unsettling moments involving a sealed honeymoon suite, mysterious whispers, and stories about a witch believed to be trapped within the property.
As the story develops, Ohm becomes trapped in a growing nightmare filled with fear, isolation, and supernatural danger.
The supporting cast includes Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Austin Amelio, and Brendan Conroy.
Early reviews have highlighted the film’s mix of dark humor, emotional storytelling, and effective horror scenes.
Several critics praised the movie’s atmosphere and narrative style. Reviewers also noted how the film slowly builds tension before leading viewers into darker and more disturbing moments.
British newspaper The Guardian gave the film a three-star rating, while other critics described it as a chilling exploration of trauma and grief.
Industry observers say the success of “Hokum” could help strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a filming destination for international productions.
The UAE has continued investing heavily in film and television production in recent years, attracting global studios with desert landscapes, modern infrastructure, and government-backed support.
Projects supported by Image Nation Abu Dhabi have increasingly reached international audiences, helping raise the profile of regional filmmaking.
For the UAE entertainment industry, “Hokum” represents more than just another horror release.
The film shows how productions linked to Abu Dhabi are now competing on a larger global stage while gaining recognition from critics and moviegoers around the world.
With strong reviews, international attention, and a growing fan base, “Hokum” is expected to attract horror fans across the UAE as it arrives in cinemas this week.
