‘Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea’ Explores Tyranny in Twisted Dark Comedy

A twisted new satire is coming to VOD this November in Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea, a darkly comic tale of control, paranoia, and rebellion. Directed by Tony Olmos and written by Brian Patrick Butler, the film stars Kimberly Weinberger as Rosie, a tenant caught in a sinister plan to take over her apartment building from Liz, the ruthless landlady played by Butler. Set during an epidemic in a small Californian town, Hemet combines elements of horror, slasher tropes, and political satire as tenants find themselves under Liz’s oppressive rule. With tension mounting and alliances fraying, Rosie and her neighbours are drawn into a chaotic struggle that explores the darker side of human nature.

The plot unfolds in Hemet, California, where the tenants of Liz’s apartment building find themselves trapped under her despotic rule. Liz rules her property with an iron grip, orchestrating tensions among her tenants to ensure control and compliance. As the community’s desperation grows, Rosie becomes a key player in an attempt to overthrow Liz. Aimee La Joie stars as Liz’s daughter, while Randy Davison plays the local sheriff who gets caught up in the power games.

Butler, also the founder of Charybdis Pictures, worked with Olmos’ Rosewood Five production company to bring this dark vision to life. The film, shot in San Diego County during the summer of 2021, combines satirical humour with pointed political commentary, with Butler describing it as “equal parts horror movie, fairy tale, and satiric political allegory.”

In a candid statement, Butler revealed the film’s contentious journey through the festival circuit, noting its rejection from various notable and smaller festivals. “Nobody wants you to see this movie,” he stated. “Much to my surprise, the only feedback I’ve received as to why this film was not chosen to screen at a particular fest had nothing to do with technical issues or excessive gore. What they deemed too intense for audiences is the language. And I think it’s more than just profanity that unsettles – it’s the themes discussed, the pictures painted with the words. A worldview expressed that is truly despicable.”

Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea explores issues of power, authority, and rebellion, themes that have resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in the realm of dark comedies and horror, genres known for their ability to push boundaries. The film also arrives during a renewed interest in politically charged horror, joining a landscape where social commentary is increasingly embraced by filmmakers and fans alike.

With a cast featuring television and film veterans like Davison (Mank, The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and McCartha (High Potential, Failure!), alongside viral content creator Aimee La Joie, Hemet promises a fresh, biting take on satirical horror. Catch it from November 26th.

Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea interview