How do the rats impersonate humans in The Rat Savior?

The rats in the film have developed the ability to appear human, allowing them to infiltrate society unnoticed.

Who is the 'rat savior' in The Rat Savior?

The leader of the rat people, referred to as the 'savior', is encountered by the protagonist after his capture.

Horror Cult Classic

In 1930s Yugoslavia, a struggling writer stumbles upon a secret society of rats masquerading as humans.

THE RAT SAVIOR

1976 · 1h 20m · NR · Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

A man uncovers a race of intelligent rats who can appear as human. He is captured and taken to the rat people's leader (the "savior" of the movie's title). He escapes, but then wonders who among his fellow humans is a rat person in disguise.

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Quick Answer

What is The Rat Savior about?

The Rat Savior is a 1976 Yugoslavian horror and science fiction film directed by Krsto Papić about a poor writer who uncovers a secret society of rats impersonating humans.

Programmer's Pick

Rat people in tailored suits, a struggling wordsmith, and Communist-era allegory—The Rat Savior delivers its chills with a side of political bite. If you like your horror with a whiff of social unrest and a dash of surreal transformation, this 1976 Yugoslavian gem is your cup of psychotronic tea.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Yugoslavia, The Rat Savior follows a struggling author who stumbles upon an unsettling conspiracy: rats have evolved, banded together, and now move among humans, using their ability to appear human to infiltrate society. Echoing the existential paranoia of Ionesco’s Rhinoceros and the creeping dread of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the film crafts an allegorical atmosphere where trust dissolves and identity is in question. As the writer delves deeper, he finds himself ensnared by these intelligent rat people, raising questions about class, transformation, and the fragility of human society. The Rat Savior is a cerebral blend of horror and science fiction, laced with social commentary and period detail.

Details & Specs

Director: Krsto Papić
Writers: Alexander Grin, Krsto Papić, Ivo Brešan, Zoran Tadić
Release: 1976
Runtime: 1h 20m
Country: Yugoslavia
Language: Serbo-Croatian
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Also Known As: The Rat Savior, La Nuit de la Métamorphose, Rotat, Rats, Persecution, The Redeemer, Der Rattengott, Original title: Izbavitelj

Why This Matters

Celebrated with multiple festival awards and selected as Yugoslavia's entry for the Academy Awards, this Croatian fantasy horror film was later recognized by critics as one of the country's best, and inspired director Krsto Papić to revisit its themes with a sequel or remake in 2003.

— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Krsto Papić Writers: Alexander Grin +3 more

Ivica Vidović Ivan Gajski

Mirjana Majurec Sonja Bošković

Relja Bašić Izbavitelj / Gradonačelnik

Fabijan Šovagović Profesor Martin Bošković II Ilija Ivezić Šef policije

Branko Špoljar Rupčić PD Petar Dobrić Meštar ceremonije na štakorskoj zabavi

Edo Peročević Policajac AH Ana Hercigonja Prodavačica dječjih kapica

Zvonimir Ferenčić Nakladnik BF Boris Festini Apotekar ZT Zdenka Trach Gazdarica MB Mirko Boman Djelatnik gradske čistoće FK Fahro Konjhodžić Violinist JS Jovan Stefanović Policajac

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