The film follows the life of Willard Stiles, an introverted and timid young man who lives with his sick and overbearing mother in a dilapidated mansion. Willard works as an office clerk and is constantly belittled and mistreated by his boss, Frank Martin, a ruthless and egotistical executive who takes pleasure in making Willard’s life miserable.
One day, Willard discovers that his home has become infested with rats. Rather than seeing them as a nuisance, he becomes fascinated with them and begins to study their behavior, naming each of them and forming a close bond with them. Willard soon realizes that he can control the rats with his training, and decides to use them to exact a bloody revenge on his tormentors.
Crispin Glover delivers a remarkable performance in the role of Willard, capturing the character’s vulnerability, desperation and eventual descent into madness. Glover’s idiosyncratic acting style adds an unsettling and eerie quality to the character and brings a level of depth and complexity to the role that elevates the film beyond the typical horror movie fare.
The film’s portrayal of the relationship between Willard and the rats is a unique and compelling aspect of the story. The rats are more than just pests to Willard, they are his only friends and confidants, his only source of comfort and companionship in a lonely and miserable life. As he becomes more obsessed with them, the line between reality and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred, and it becomes clear that Willard is not simply controlling the rats, but is also being controlled by them.
The film’s cinematography and musical score also contribute to its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The use of muted colors and close-up shots creates a claustrophobic and oppressive feel, while the haunting score by Shirley Walker adds an atmospheric and haunting quality to the film that lingers long after the final credits.
Overall, Willard is a unique and disturbing psychological horror film that explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the desire for revenge. With its outstanding performances, haunting score, and unsettling atmosphere, the film is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre. Whether you are a fan of the original movie or are new to the story, Willard is a chilling and captivating film that will leave you shaken and disturbed.