Willard Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bullied dude decides to weaponize his rat horde against his boss and everyone else who’s ever been mean to him, proving that sometimes, the best revenge is furry and has a tail.

🍿 Willard: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Willard Stiles

Willard Stiles, played by Bruce Davison, is a socially awkward and lonely young man living with his overbearing mother, Henrietta, in a dilapidated mansion. He’s constantly belittled at work by his ruthless boss, Mr. Martin, who took over the family business from Willard’s deceased father. Willard finds solace and companionship in an unlikely source: the rats inhabiting his property.

Befriending the Rats

Willard begins to nurture and train the rats, eventually forming a bond with two in particular: a gentle white rat named Socrates and a larger, more aggressive black rat named Ben. He discovers he can command the rats, using them to disrupt Mr. Martin’s dinner party and even steal money from a client, showcasing his growing control and confidence derived from his rat companions.

The Escalation of Violence

The situation escalates when Willard’s mother dies, leaving him with a heavily mortgaged house and further torment from Mr. Martin. A turning point occurs when Mr. Martin kills Socrates, pushing Willard over the edge. He unleashes Ben and the other rats on Mr. Martin, leading to a gruesome demise.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Willard Stiles (Bruce Davison): A socially awkward young man who befriends and controls rats to exact revenge on those who mistreat him.
• Martin (Ernest Borgnine): Willard’s cruel and overbearing boss who takes pleasure in mistreating and humiliating him.
• Ben (Ben(uncredited)): A large, intelligent rat who becomes Willard’s close companion and instrument of revenge.
• Henrietta Stiles (Elsa Lanchester): Willard’s overbearing and demanding mother, who contributes to his social isolation.
• Joan Simms (Sondra Locke): A kind and understanding co-worker who shows compassion towards Willard, but is unaware of his dark side.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Willard Stiles: “Tear him up!” – Willard commands the rats to attack Mr. Martin, his tormentor, during the climactic confrontation.
• Al Martin: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” – Mr. Martin’s motto reflects his ruthless and selfish business practices.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $500,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,216,000
• Worldwide Gross: $19,216,000

💥 Willard Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Willard’ late one night and I was instantly hooked. There was something so unsettling about Willard’s isolation and his connection with the rats. That scene where Socrates dies at the hands of Mr. Martin… it really hit me hard. The ending? I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s a rat-tastic conclusion that will leave you squirming. Bruce Davison’s portrayal of Willard Stiles is brilliant and you can’t help but feel a strange empathy for him even as he descends into darkness.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate films with themes of social commentary”
  • “People who enjoy creature features with a psychological edge”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Animal cruelty”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Some scenes may be unsettling for viewers sensitive to rats”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A surprisingly effective thriller, ‘Willard’ benefits from strong performances, especially from Bruce Davison, who makes Willard a pitiable and unsettling figure. The film’s slow burn builds to a genuinely disturbing climax, solidifying its place as a cult classic.
• The New York Times: “‘Willard’ is not your typical horror flick; it explores the psychology of loneliness and revenge with unexpected depth. Ernest Borgnine shines as the villainous boss, creating a memorable antagonist. The film’s success lies in its ability to make rats both menacing and strangely sympathetic.
• Los Angeles Times: “Daniel Mann crafts a compelling narrative that’s as much a character study as it is a horror film. ‘Willard’ is a unique blend of genres, elevated by strong performances and a genuinely creepy atmosphere. A must-see for those seeking something beyond the typical scare-fest.

Audience Reactions

Bruce Davison’s portrayal of Willard is incredibly sympathetic and believable.: Viewers loved the blend of character study and horror, with many feeling empathy for the troubled Willard.

The rat wrangling is impressive, making the rodents both cute and terrifying.: Audiences were captivated by the trained rats, finding them surprisingly expressive and integral to the story.

Overall Consensus: ‘Willard’ is a unique and unsettling film that blends horror with a compelling character study, thanks to strong performances and well-trained rats.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ernest Borgnine was offered a higher salary or a percentage of the box office. He chose the higher salary, a decision he later regretted as the film was a box-office success.”
• “The film is based on the 1968 novel ‘The Ratman’s Notebooks’ by Stephen Gilbert.”
• “Real rats were used in the film. Rat wranglers smeared peanut butter wherever they wanted the rats to go.”

🖥️ How to Watch Willard?

As a classic film, “Willard” (1971) may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Willard, you might like these similar films:

• Ben (1972): Direct sequel to ‘Willard’, focusing on the rat Ben and his adventures.
• Of Unknown Origin (1983): Similar theme of a man battling rats, but with a more intense and violent tone.
• Psycho (1960): Features a disturbed protagonist living in an old house with their mother, exploring themes of isolation and mental instability.
• Willard (2003): A modern remake of the original film with a similar storyline and themes.

🛒 Willard Related Products

• Willard (1971) [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray release of the original ‘Willard,’ perfect for collectors and fans of classic horror. This edition includes restored visuals and audio, along with bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• The Ratman’s Notebooks by Stephen Gilbert: Read the original novel that inspired the movie ‘Willard.’ Dive deeper into the mind of Willard Stiles and the world of his rodent companions.
• Willard Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original ‘Willard’ movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your horror memorabilia collection. Available in various sizes and finishes.
• Ben – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: The soundtrack to the sequel ‘Ben,’ featuring the title song performed by Michael Jackson. A rare and collectible item for music and movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Willard features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Alex North
• “Willard’s Theme” – performed by Alex North
• “Martin’s Demise” – performed by Alex North

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Exploring Willard

Ever wondered what made ‘Willard’ so creepy and memorable? GoodBadFlicks breaks down the film’s unsettling themes and surprisingly effective direction. I didn’t realize how much thought went into a movie about rats!

✨ Rate