Willard is a 1971 American horror film that tells the story of Willard Stiles (played by Bruce Davison), a social misfit who forms an unusual bond with a group of rats. Directed by Daniel Mann and written by Gilbert Ralston, the film is based on the 1968 novel Ratman’s Notebooks by Stephen Gilbert.

The movie revolves around Willard, a young man who lives with his domineering mother in a crumbling mansion. Willard is an outcast, bullied at work and ridiculed by his colleagues. His only solace is his connection to a group of rats that live in his backyard. He befriends them and soon discovers that he has the power to control them. Willard starts training the rats to do his bidding, and they become his loyal army.

At work, Willard is constantly belittled by his boss, Al Martin (played by Ernest Borgnine). However, Willard’s newfound power helps him get the upper hand. He uses his rats to sabotage Al’s business dealings and to get revenge on his tormentors.

As the story progresses, Willard becomes increasingly obsessed with his rats. He withdraws from society and spends more and more time with his pets, neglecting his mother’s pleas for him to lead a normal life. However, Willard’s newfound power comes at a price. His own sanity is slowly slipping away, and he becomes more and more isolated from the world around him.

The film’s climax sees Willard’s rats turning on him, refusing to obey his commands anymore. In a fit of rage and desperation, Willard decides to set fire to his mansion, taking himself and his rats with him. The film ends on a tragic note, with Willard’s fantasy of controlling his own destiny ending in flames and ashes.

Bruce Davison’s performance as Willard is a standout in the film. He portrays the character’s loneliness and desperation with great empathy, making his descent into madness all the more tragic. Ernest Borgnine is equally impressive as Al Martin, a man driven by greed and ambition who is ultimately brought down by his own arrogance.

The film’s use of rats as a symbol of Willard’s alienation is both effective and unnerving. The rodents are presented as both cute and terrifying, highlighting the duality of Willard’s character. The movie’s unique take on the horror genre eschews the typical use of monsters and supernatural beings, instead using the power of the mind and the depths of human despair to deliver its scares.

Willard remains a cult classic to this day, appreciated by fans of the horror genre and lovers of indie cinema alike. Its themes of isolation, power, and obsession still resonate with audiences, making it a timeless exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Its portrayal of rats as both sympathetic creatures and harbingers of doom remains an effective horror element, solidifying its status as a genre classic.

In conclusion, Willard is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to be relevant and engaging over 50 years after its release. It’s a film that transcends genres and speaks to the human condition, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of choosing to live in isolation. It’s a movie that deserves to be remembered as one of the best examples of indie horror cinema ever made.

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