Is Rat Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Rat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 56 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences. Bottom Line: Highly recommended!
Rat Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Rat emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Take a trip into the core of the Big Apple to see just how it is being eaten away from the inside out in a witty, two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary from filmmaker Mark Lewis exploring the eternal rivalry between man and rat. Unlike standard genre fare, Rat attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize character depth and thematic resonance, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Mark Lewis, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rat features a noteworthy lineup led by a group of dedicated performers.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned. The chemistry between the leads is particularly effective, serving as the emotional glue that holds the more complex plot points together. In the broader context of 1998 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary, TV Movie space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Rat is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a vibrant and expressive color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects are seamlessly integrated, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the current technological constraints. The practical effects, in particular, lend a weight and reality to the film that digital-only productions often miss. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Rat follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 56 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains intellectually stimulating. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Rat resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as human resilience and ethical ambiguity with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 8.2/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Rat is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Take a trip into the core of the Big Apple to see just how it is being eaten away from the inside out in a witty, two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary from filmmaker Mark Lewis exploring the eternal rivalry between man and rat. From the inner walls of New York's tallest skyscrapers to the sewers and subways far beneath the surface, there is virtually no place in the city that these resilient vermin haven't claimed for themselves.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is profoundly hopeful yet grounded in reality. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Rat (1998) is overwhelmingly acclaimed. With an audience rating of 8.2/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary, TV Movie categories, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Rat is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1998. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Rat Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Rat has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 8.2/10, and global collection metrics, Rat stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rat movie hit or flop?
Rat is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 8.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary, TV Movie movies.
Is Rat worth watching?
Yes, Rat is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary, TV Movie cinema.
Where can I watch Rat online?
Rat is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Take a trip into the core of the Big Apple to see just how it is being eaten away from the inside out in a witty, two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary from filmmaker Mark Lewis exploring the eternal rivalry between man and rat. From the inner walls of New York's tallest skyscrapers to the sewers and subways far beneath the surface, there is virtually no place in the city that these resilient vermin haven't claimed for themselves.