Written by Tim Powell & Ethan Leisie • Directed by Ethan Leisie • Produced by Powell Visual Arts

Starring: Betsy Scott • Alec Ludacka • Elias Alexandro • Bella Campos • Payton Durbin • Tim Powell

The Hemlock Horror is a 22-minute horror-comedy short that embraces everything we love about retro slashers: over-the-top kills, cabin in the wood's vibes, and a killer with a personal grudge — all brought to life with 100% practical effects and a wicked sense of humor.

Shot on a shoestring budget over the summer of 2023, with key reshoots in 2024, this indie passion project is a modern twist on ‘80s horror classics like The Evil Dead, Sleepaway Camp, and Friday the 13th. It’s gory, it’s campy, it’s chaotic — and it’s a damn good time.

The story follows Ashley (Betsy Scott), a headstrong girlfriend who invites herself to her boyfriend Jason’s (Alec Ludacka) boys only camping trip deep in the woods. Jason’s buddies: the charming Michael (Elias Alexandro), the goofy Chuck (Payton Durbin), and the chaotic Eddie (Tim Powell) are less than thrilled. Tensions rise when Michael invites his new flame, Christine (Bella Campos), who turns out to be Jason’s ex. And she’s not just here for s’mores; she wants him back.

Drunken mistakes, cheating, and cabin drama quickly take over. But just when things couldn’t get messier, Michael drops a bomb: the cabin they’re staying in is the site of an unsolved massacre from six years ago.

As the group spirals into emotional chaos, something far more dangerous is watching. A hooded killer with a scythe begins stalking the teens, picking them off one by one — and in increasingly creative, gory fashion.

This isn’t just a slasher. It’s a satire, a scream, and a celebration of DIY horror filmmaking.

Who will survive? Who will regret everything? And who’s next?

🎃 The Hemlock Horror premieres this Halloween — October 31st, 2025.

👉 Watch the official trailer now