My quick rating - 4.2/10. In Hemet we are thrown into the chaotic microcosm of a quirky residential complex in Hemet, California. Here, a tyrannical landlady, Liz, manipulates her tenants into a deadly web of paranoia and schemes. With an outbreak of a strange "bathsalt" epidemic turning the homeless into zombies, the story mixes dark comedy, murder plots, and absurdity with varying levels of success. The film’s strength lies in its ambition and occasional creativity. The practical effects are a fun highlight in the few scenes where they are used, and the makeup for Liz, played by Brian Patrick Butler, deserves a special nod. Liz’s barking, over-the-top delivery of lines like, “You better get a second job sucking dick or selling bath salts because your rent just went up a hundred dollars a month...” or “I drink four things: blood, cum, coke, and rum... and I’ve already had three of those today,” pushes the character into the realm of grotesque comedy. Butler’s performance is undeniably memorable, anchoring a film that otherwise struggles to find its footing. The humor is dark and raunchy, peppered with social and political jabs. Some jokes land with a clever satirical edge, but others veer into cringe-worthy territory. The film teeters on the edge of camp but never fully commits, leaving it stuck in a liminal space between intentional absurdity and trying-too-hard comedy. Where this flick falters most is in its uneven tone and reliance on overacting. The tenants are a colorful bunch, but their exaggerated antics often feel forced, detracting from any emotional or comedic impact. The plot—a not-so-complex murder scheme for monetary gain—feels thin, serving more as a backdrop for chaotic interactions than as a cohesive narrative. While Hemet, Or The Landlady Don’t Drink Tea won’t win awards for subtlety or sophistication, it’s ambitious for its budget and offers a few genuine laughs. Fans of raunchy dark comedy with an appetite for crude jokes and outrageous characters might find something to enjoy here. For others, it’s a mixed bag that doesn’t quite deliver on its potential.
Amazon currently has this one while TubiTV will offer this on 01.27.25 (thanks to Dan Butler for allowing me to check this out)
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