Bill Skarsgård Hemlock Grove series marked the actor’s first major entry into original streaming horror well before his acclaimed roles in It and Barbarian, introducing viewers to a chilling world in rural Pennsylvania where the supernatural lurks in every corner. Premiering on Netflix, Hemlock Grove followed a pair of teenagers whose destinies, tied to the town’s darkest events, elevate this drama beyond typical high school fare.
The Origins of Hemlock Grove’s Supernatural Drama
Hemlock Grove is an adaptation of Brian McGreevy’s novel, and it explores an atmospheric town inhabited by a variety of supernatural beings, each with their own secrets and storylines. At its heart are Peter Rumancek, played by Landon Liboiron, a recent arrival trying to conceal his werewolf heritage, and Roman Godfrey, portrayed by Skarsgård himself, who is unknowingly an upir—a type of daywalking vampire.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds—Peter lives modestly in a trailer while Roman belongs to the town’s wealthiest family—they form an uneasy alliance. The mysterious death of a high school girl serves as the catalyst for them to uncover not just the truth about the crime, but the deeper histories of their own supernatural families. Their connection grows as they realize their fates are closely linked despite being from rival supernatural lineages.
Complex Relationships and the Series’ Central Conflict
The central draw of Hemlock Grove is the evolving relationship between Roman and Peter as they navigate the challenges of loyalty, secrecy, and ancient rivalries. Peter, hailing from a family where lycanthropy appears irregularly, has no close relatives to confide his identity to, other than memories of his grandfather carrying the trait. Roman’s condition as an upir is initially hidden even from himself; he simply knows he’s drawn to blood and that others heed his whims.
Roman’s struggle is compounded by his relationship with his mother, Olivia, depicted by Famke Janssen. Olivia’s relentless goal to shape Roman into a true monster puts him in constant rebellion, and her prejudice against those with Peter’s lineage adds a layer of conflict. Their mothers’ actions and histories loom large over the boys’ fragile friendship, with Olivia’s own past relationships fueling animosity toward Peter and resentment over Roman’s sense of belonging outside his family.
Impact and Legacy of Hemlock Grove
Hemlock Grove’s first season remains closest to Brian McGreevy’s source material, and although subsequent seasons received less praise and a low Rotten Tomatoes score, the series carved out a devoted following among fans of supernatural horror. The combination of drama, folklore, and teen tension positions the show as a standout for anyone interested in the genre, highlighting Bill Skarsgård’s early commitment to intense and complex roles.
William Skarsgård’s transformation from Roman in Netflix’s underrated series to celebrated horror icon demonstrates how pivotal Hemlock Grove was in shaping the careers of its cast and the landscape of streaming originals. While the series may have been underappreciated at launch, its intense narrative and exploration of identity, family, and otherness ensure its legacy endures among those who appreciate innovative horror storytelling.
