Hemlock 2023

"Hemlock" is a tense psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature, the consequences of secrets, and the eerie power of manipulation. Set in a secluded, haunted mansion in the woods, the film follows a group of friends who gather to reunite after years of separation, only to find themselves trapped by a series of inexplicable and dangerous events.

The story begins with Mara, a successful but emotionally scarred woman, who invites her closest friends from college—Lucas, an ambitious lawyer; Emma, an artist struggling with her own personal demons; and Ben, a quiet yet sharp investigative journalist—to her late aunt's grand estate in the countryside. The mansion, known as Hemlock House, has been in her family for generations and is filled with old memories and dark secrets.

As the group arrives, they begin to reminisce and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, but there is an unsettling atmosphere that lingers in the house. The mansion is vast and labyrinthine, with many rooms sealed off and locked. A sense of foreboding grows as strange occurrences begin to unfold: objects move on their own, unsettling whispers are heard in the walls, and visions of past events—ghostly figures, mysterious symbols, and cryptic messages—begin to appear to each of them.

Mara, who had always been haunted by her own unresolved trauma, starts to unravel the truth about the house and its connection to her family. She discovers that her aunt had been involved in occult practices and that Hemlock House is cursed, with a malevolent force that preys on the guilt and hidden desires of those who enter. As the friends begin to unravel the mystery, they realize that each of them has a dark secret that the house is using against them.

The situation quickly spirals into chaos as Mara’s group becomes divided, with each person becoming increasingly paranoid and distrustful of one another. Tensions rise, and the group’s unity begins to crumble as the house exploits their deepest fears, bringing their worst nightmares to life. Each friend faces their own personal demons, and their past mistakes are twisted into terrifying confrontations.

• IMDB Rating - 7.4/10
• Director - Saiif Baidya
• Writers - Saif Baiidya, AbuWahab Chodhry
• Stars - Rudra Aashiwal, Dev Gandhi, Debadrita Dutta aka Piku