Willard (2003)

Director: Glen Morgan

Starring: Crispin Glover, R. Lee Ermey, Laura Harring

A young man with an unusual connection to rats uses them at his own sociopathic will.

‘Willard’ is a remake of the 1971 film of the same title (which I haven’t seen).

Crispen Glover delivers a fantastic performance as the titular Willard, a man who is still treated like a child by his ill mother, whom he looks after. At work, he is constantly being humiliated by his boss, Frank Martin, who took over their family business when Willard’s father committed suicide.

Willard’s mother nags him to get rid of the rat infestation in their basement, but instead Willard befriends a white rat and refers to it as his only friend. Soon he starts feeding the rats, and the colony grows bigger. The film never quite explains how it is possible for Willard to communicate with the rats, but he manages to teach the rats to do various acts at his command. This enables Willard to control the rats, and he uses them to avenge those who has done him wrong.

Apart from antagonist Frank, another antagonist is a giant rat called Big Ben. This film is kinda creepy and if you don’t like rodents, you’d best avoid ‘Willard’. I’m certain some viewers would find the premise utterly ridiculous, but I actually had a good time with it. Crispen Glover’s portrayal of Willard simply is sensational, and thanks to his performance I believed in the character, and rooted for him. The film’s camera work is also very good.

Crispen Glover was deservedly nominated as Best Actor, and the film won a Best Cinematography award. It was also nominated for Best Genre Film.

Would I watch it again? Maybe, yes.