Before Bill Skarsgård‘s rise in horror with titles like It and Barbarian, he was already establishing his presence in the genre through the Bill Skarsgård Hemlock Grove series on Netflix. This underappreciated show, based on Brian McGreevy’s novel, is set in a small Pennsylvania town where supernatural secrets intertwine with family drama and high school intrigue.
Hemlock Grove’s first season closely mirrors its source material, centering on two teenage boys navigating complicated lives touched by the paranormal. Peter Rumancek, played by Landon Liboiron, arrives in Hemlock Grove with his mother, concealing his identity as a werewolf. Things become even more complex when Peter makes the acquaintance of Roman Godfrey, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, who is a daywalking vampire—referred to in the series as an upir. Roman comes from the most affluent family in town, while Peter’s background is much more modest, yet together they discover shared experiences in an environment full of secrets.
The Dynamic Between Peter and Roman Drives the Series
As Roman and Peter try to solve the mystery surrounding a local high school girl’s death, their bond becomes central to the storyline, and they realize their lives are deeply connected. Despite coming from backgrounds that would make them natural adversaries—Peter as a werewolf and Roman as a vampire—they forge a compelling friendship, which proves pivotal by the end of the first season. Later seasons might not have captured the same fascination as the debut, but the show’s unique mix of supernatural mythos and coming-of-age issues makes it a standout in Netflix’s catalog, even if it received only a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ahead of Its Time in Portraying a Complex Relationship
If the Bill Skarsgård Hemlock Grove series had been introduced a few years later, it may have found a larger following, especially after Bill Skarsgård’s reputation as a horror icon grew. The actor’s nuanced portrayal of Roman—a young man ignorant of his vampire heritage and wrestling with disturbing impulses—stands out as both emotional and unsettling, distinguishing him even from his brother, Alexander Skarsgård, known for HBO’s True Blood.
The heart of the show lies in the evolving relationship between Roman and Peter. Peter comes from a long line of werewolves, though the gene sometimes skips generations, and he struggles with isolation, lacking others to confide in. Upon encountering Roman, Peter recognizes his vampire nature immediately, even when Roman himself is unaware. Roman’s fascination with blood and commanding presence set him apart in the town, causing those around him to either comply or submit.
Together, the pair come to terms with their linked destinies and challenge the rivalry that has historically separated their kinds. Roman, in particular, finds acceptance with Peter, who appears to be the only one able to see him beyond his family’s expectations and supernatural circumstances. Roman’s struggle is intensified by his mother, Olivia—played by Famke Janssen—whose manipulative influence and history with Peter’s lineage create further emotional strain. Olivia’s prejudice against Peter, fueled by her own familial history, drives her disapproval of Roman and Peter’s friendship, resulting in ongoing conflict that shapes both young men’s choices throughout the series.
Hemlock Grove delivers a complex blend of supernatural conflict and personal relationships, and the Bill Skarsgård Hemlock Grove series showcases early signs of the actor’s ability to handle emotionally charged, nuanced roles. Though the series received mixed reviews during its initial run, a second look reveals a show that deserves greater appreciation for its bold storytelling and rich character development.
