Watch Hemlock Society

Hemlock Society is a 2012 Bengali language film, directed by Srijit Mukherji. The film revolves around the topic of assisted suicide, which is considered to be a taboo subject in many cultures around the world. Though the film mainly tackles a serious topic, it has an ample blend of humor and satire throughout. The movie's main character is Ananda, played by Parambrata Chattopadhyay, who is an aspiring writer by profession. He is not successful in his line of work and is met with a series of rejections throughout his journey. Moreover, he has been recently heartbroken and has to bear the brunt of his jobless existence as well.

Ananda is then introduced to the Hemlock Society by Meghna, played by Koel Mallick, a member of the society. The Hemlock Society is a non-profit organization that provides classes on how to commit suicide effortlessly, painlessly, and legally. Although initially reluctant to join the society, Ananda eventually enrolls to become a member of the group.

The society has an array of eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and eccentricities. The leader of the group is the charismatic professor Monty, played by Soumitra Chatterjee, who is dying of brain cancer and considers suicide as the last way to control the situation. Monty is persuasive and helps others in the group understand the meaning of life and death.

There is also Arup, played by Shilajit Majumdar, a software engineer who is desperate to end his life, but can't gather the courage to do so. Lata, played by Roopa Ganguly, is a middle-aged woman who is tired of caring for her 80-year-old mother who suffers from dementia. Ratan, played by Dipankar Dey, is a retired school teacher who has lost his will to live following the death of his wife.

One of the unique features of the movie is the inclusion of poetry to elaborate on the controversy surrounding suicide. The poetry that was composed by Joy Goswami, a well-known poet, was well-matched to the story's mood and themes.

The film has a deft touch of humor, although it might be considered inappropriate considering the subject matter. An example is when Ananda fumbles while attempting to execute the final step of the suicide process, and the group is left scrambling to revive him.

The film also has a lovely soundtrack, composed by Anupam Roy, which undoubtedly played a significant role in enhancing the overall mood of the movie. One of the most brilliant tracks in the movie is 'Ekhon onek raat,' which is a poignant poem.

In conclusion, Hemlock Society is a well-crafted and well-acted movie that brings to light one of the most controversial and sensitive topics in society. The film addresses euthanasia in a manner that is truthful, candid, and thought-provoking, all of which contribute to a narrative that has the power to alter viewers' perception and bring awareness to their own sense of mortality. Despite the film's solemn topic, humor and light-heartedness are present in just the right amounts.