A supernatural mystery filmed in the UAE desert brings global psychological tension to local screens this May.
- This supernatural thriller features scenes filmed in the Al Ain desert.
- Leading man Adam Scott stars in this highly anticipated regional release.
- The production currently holds a nearly perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Cinema fans can watch the mystery unfold across the MENA region.
Abu Dhabi horror film HOKUM is officially ready to haunt your weekend plans. While most people head to the mall to escape the rising May heat, local film buffs are finding a different kind of chill in the dark of the cinema. This isn’t just another jump-scare flick. It arrives in the UAE backed by massive international momentum and a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
The project highlights a growing shift in our local entertainment habits. UAE audiences are increasingly trading predictable blockbusters for elevated, genre-bending stories that offer more than just surface-level noise. Much of the buzz stems from the involvement of Image Nation Abu Dhabi. This studio continues to prove that the region is a powerhouse for world-class storytelling. By partnering with Spooky Pictures, they have secured a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking this as a high-water mark for MENA cinema releases this year.
What makes this release particularly special for a Dubai audience is the visual connection to home. While the plot follows a writer investigating a sinister disappearance at a remote hotel, sharp-eyed viewers will recognize the vast, haunting beauty of the Remah Desert. These scenes, captured in Al Ain, provide a striking contrast to the film’s claustrophobic interior tension. It is a proud moment for the local industry. Seeing our own backyard serve as the backdrop for a major Adam Scott movie confirms that the UAE is now a primary character on the global stage.
The plot moves with a deliberate, slow-burn pace. It avoids the tired tropes of the genre, choosing instead to focus on atmosphere and psychological weight. The story feels grounded yet deeply unsettling. Scott delivers a grounded performance as a man caught between grief and a growing supernatural threat. It is the perfect choice for a late-night screening with friends who appreciate a smart script.
Image Nation productions have consistently raised the bar for quality in the Middle East. With HOKUM, they have bridged the gap between a gritty indie thriller and a mainstream success. The film has already claimed a spot in the U.S. box office top five, and now it is our turn to see why. Grab your popcorn and prepare for a very different kind of desert story!
