HOKUM writer/director Damian McCarthy

Damian McCarthy, writer/director of the chilling horror film *Hokum*, reveals how a series of formative films shaped his career and creative vision. From the terrifying climax of *Gremlins* that inspired his own suspense sequences to the subtle psychological dread of *The Thing*, McCarthy traces his obsession with horror to childhood memories and the power of sound design. He reflects on how *The Frighteners* taught him the value of ensemble casts and actor-driven performances, while *Evil Dead 2* showed him that a low-budget, contained story could be revolutionary. The original *Ringu* terrified him as an adult, proving that horror doesn't need jump scares to unsettle. But it was *Fight Club*—a film that urged self-destruction—that became his personal catalyst, pushing him to abandon a stable career path and fully commit to filmmaking. He defends the obscure *Alone in the Dark* as a symbol of hidden cinematic gems that may one day be rediscovered. Ultimately, *Blue Ruin* became his final inspiration, proving that a powerful, emotionally resonant film could be made with minimal resources. McCarthy’s journey is one of defiance against convention, embracing obscurity, and trusting that the right movie at the right time can change everything.