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Rats! (2024) by Carl Fry, Maxwell Nalevansky: A Texas Fever Dream

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Aug 17
  • 5 min read

Short Summary: A Hilarious Descent into Anarchy A wild and vulgar ride, RATS! is a bizarre crime comedy set in 2007 Texas. The film follows an emo teenager who is coerced into becoming a police informant against his cousin, leading him on a chaotic adventure filled with an unhinged cop, an aspiring news reporter, and an absurd cast of characters.

Detailed Summary: A Tinseltown Tale of Twisted Proportions

  • The film is set in the fictional town of Pfresno, Texas, in 2007, and follows Raphael Tinski, an emo community college student who gets arrested for graffiti by the wildly unhinged Officer Williams.

  • Instead of jail time, Williams ropes Raphael into a sting operation against his cousin, Mateo, who is suspected of running a narcotics operation with ties to Al Qaeda.

  • As Raphael navigates this bizarre situation, he meets a number of eccentric characters, including a girl at his community service who he falls for, an up-and-coming rapper, and a wannabe reporter.

  • The main plot is interwoven with a separate storyline about a serial killer who is leaving disembodied hands around the town, adding to the film's overall absurdity.

  • The film's humor is often grotesque and over-the-top, with a fast-paced, "90-mile-an-hour" energy that keeps the audience on its toes.

Director's Vision: A Love Letter to Indie Chaos

  • The directors, Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansky, aimed to create a film that embraces an "absurdist reality," drawing inspiration from the anarchic energy of the 1990s Austin DIY film scene.

  • They sought to create a "fever dream" experience for the audience, leaning into the raw, no-holds-barred approach that would make the likes of John Waters proud.

  • The film's aesthetic and sound are a deliberate love letter to the early 2000s, with a color palette and alternative rock soundtrack that serve as a character in themselves.

  • The directors also put a strong emphasis on character and story, ensuring that even in the midst of the film's chaos, the characters feel fully formed and relatable, particularly the bewildered protagonist, Raphael.

Themes: Embracing the Absurdities of Adulthood

  • The Disorder of Small-Town Life: The film explores the chaotic and often absurd nature of life in a small town, where everyone seems to be one step away from losing it and bizarre events are commonplace.

  • Youth Counterculture: RATS! serves as a nostalgic trip back to the emo and alternative youth culture of the 2000s, capturing the attitude, fashion, and music of the era with both affection and a sense of humor.

  • Critique of Authority: The movie critiques authority figures, particularly law enforcement, through the character of Officer Williams, an unhinged and ridiculous caricature of an officer who embodies the film's anti-establishment spirit.

  • Finding Your Way: The central character, Raphael, is on a journey of self-discovery, and the film highlights the value of finding your footing and embracing platonic and familial relationships in a world that seems to be falling apart.

Key Success Factors: The Art of the Bizarre

  • Unapologetic Humor: The film's brazen and often grotesque humor is a key factor in its success, attracting an audience that appreciates its unique and edgy style.

  • Nostalgic Setting and Soundtrack: The 2007 setting and the blaring alternative rock soundtrack resonate deeply with viewers, creating a strong sense of nostalgia that enhances the viewing experience.

  • Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Danielle Evon Ploeger as Officer Williams, delivers "A-game" performances that fully commit to the film's zany and over-the-top storyline.

  • DIY Aesthetic: The film's low-budget, DIY aesthetic and use of practical effects add to its charm and authenticity, making it feel like a genuine indie classic in the making.

Awards and Nominations: A Festival-Winning Script

Rats! has received two awards and one nomination from film festivals. The film was a Winner of the Best Script Festival Prize at the Knoxville Horror Film Fest, an award for which writers Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansky were also given a Jury Prize for "Totally Out of Hand(s)." The film was also a Nominee in the New American Cinema Competition at the Seattle International Film Festival.

Critics Reception: A Cult Classic in the Making

  • Film Threat: Praised the film as a "future indie classic" with a "zany and grotesque storyline" and an "edgy spirit." They highlighted the cast's "A-game" performances.

  • ScreenAnarchy: Described the movie as an "uproariously funny cringe comedy" and "A Blast of Hilarious Punk Energy from Small Town Texas," noting the directors' ability to "swing for the fences with every single scene."

  • Dread Central: Stated that RATS! is "repulsive and crude, but it's also full of heart," appreciating the film's embrace of its inner "dirtbag."

  • Overall Summary: The film's critical reception is largely positive, with many critics celebrating its unique blend of gross-out humor and social commentary. The consensus is that while the movie is not for everyone, those who appreciate its absurd, over-the-top style will find it to be a hilarious and memorable experience. Many reviews point to its potential to become a future cult classic.

Reviews: A Bizarre and Hilarious Ride

  • Morbidly Beautiful: Gave the film a 3.5 out of 5, calling it a "strange and absurd film whose plot holes are happily ignored in exchange for comedy gold." They praised the practical effects and the soundtrack but found some of the humor and plot points to be too ridiculous or underdeveloped.

  • Keith Loves Movies: Described RATS! as "one of the most bizarre and yet satisfying watches of this year's festival roster" and noted the confidence of the directors in their over-the-top material. The review highlighted the heartwarming relationship between Raphael and his cousin.

  • Overall Summary: The reviews confirm the film's polarizing nature, with viewers either loving its unabashed weirdness or finding it too chaotic. The general sentiment is that the film is a delirious thrill ride that is both hilarious and shocking, with a strong sense of its own unique identity.

Why to recommend movie: A Movie for the Misfits

  • For a Laugh-out-Loud Experience: If you are a fan of bizarre, dark, and over-the-top comedy, RATS! is a must-watch. It's a non-stop barrage of absurd humor that will leave you both shocked and in stitches.

  • For a Dose of Nostalgia: The film's 2007 setting and era-specific soundtrack are a nostalgic treat for anyone who grew up in the 2000s, bringing back memories of a time defined by emo music and counterculture.

  • For Fans of Indie Cinema: RATS! is an impressive example of a low-budget indie film that pushes creative boundaries and delivers a unique, unforgettable experience. It's a testament to what can be achieved with a distinct vision and a dedicated cast.

Movie Trend: The "Hot Rodent Boyfriend"

RATS! taps into the social and pop culture trend of the "hot rodent boyfriend" or "rat boy" aesthetic. This trend, which gained popularity on TikTok, re-frames unconventional looks as alluring and desirable. The film's protagonist and overall aesthetic, with its quirky, grungy, and slightly "ratty" charm, aligns perfectly with this trend, celebrating the appeal of the unconventional.

Social Trend: "Rat Girl Summer"

The film echoes the "Rat Girl Summer" social trend, which encourages young women to act like a city rat: to scurry around, nibble on snacks, and live without embarrassment. The movie's embrace of messy, unkempt, and uninhibited behavior, particularly among its central characters, is a direct cinematic reflection of this trend, celebrating a carefree and unapologetic approach to life.

Final Verdict: A Gloriously Grotesque and Hilarious Ride

RATS! is a film that fully commits to its absurd vision. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to embrace its vulgarity and chaos, it's a wildly entertaining and original black comedy. With its strong performances, nostalgic aesthetic, and unapologetic sense of humor, it is a definitive "future cult classic" that stands out in the landscape of modern indie cinema.


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