Horror films are always better when they take something relatable and make it scary.
Bart Hughes (Peter Weller) is on the verge of a big promotion at work. When his wife, Meg (Shannon Tweed) decides visit her parents in Vermont, Bart stays behind to work on a project that could seal the deal on his next job. Unbeknownst to Bart, he’ll be sharing their recently renovated brownstone with an unwelcome guest: an extremely intelligent giant rat.
Of Unknown Origin documents the escalation of Bart’s attempts to get rid of the rat. First attempting to use traps and then poison, Bart discovers that this is no ordinary rat. It avoids every method Bart employs to dispose of it. In addition to the cost of exterminators and other rat-killing weapons, Bart pays for this war of attrition with his mental health. As a result, his chances for the promotion are jeopardized.
Thanks to an efficient script and direction from Brian Taggert (Visiting Hours) and George P. Cosmatos (Rambo: First Blood Part II) respectively, the film moves along at an excellent pace. Peter Weller puts on what is essentially a one-man show as he takes on his rodent adversary. Although the action occasionally moves to Bart’s office, the majority of the movie takes place in the Hughes’ increasingly demolished house. Aside from a brief (and unnecessary) attraction between Bart and his secretary, Lorrie (Jennifer Dale), the film stays focused on the man vs. rat scenario.
Weller’s monologues as he deals with the rat’s assault on his home are darkly funny. The rat makes for a realistic and creepy antagonist. Horror films are always better when they take something relatable and make it scary. The feeling of being assaulted in one’s own home by something relentless definitely fits that description.
Although it might seem a little tame and simplistic for today’s horror audiences, I enjoyed Of Unknown Origin.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
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