Synopsis
The movie Deadly Eyes (1982), also known as The Rats, is a Canadian horror film directed by Robert Clouse. Loosely based on the 1974 horror novel “The Rats” by James Herbert, the story revolves around a small town in North America that becomes infested with giant black rats. The rats, having ingested contaminated grain, grow to enormous sizes and begin terrorizing the residents, attacking them in their homes, schools, and even the subway system.
Deadly Eyes (1982) follows a suburban town besieged by hordes of massive rats mutated by steroids. When the giant rats are forced from their nest, they begin preying on the residents.
The rats attack and kill several people, including a toddler and an elderly man. Health inspector Kelly orders the rat-infested grain burned down, unaware it will displace the creatures. Local teacher Paul learns from his scientist friend that steroid chemicals mutated the rats into vicious killers.
Despite fumigating the sewers, the rats continue their rampage unchecked, now openly attacking a bowling alley and theater. Even Paul’s friend the expert rat researcher falls victim. It seems no one is safe from the swarming rodents.
In the climax, the rats descend upon the opening of a new subway line, killing the mayor and partygoers. Paul, Kelly, and Kelly’s son become trapped but escape by igniting the rats’ nest. The movie Deadly Eyes (1982) ends as they board the subway car, unaware it still contains surviving deadly rats.
With its campy premise and cheap effects, the movie Deadly Eyes (1982) delivers fun, schlocky horror thrills. The non-stop rat attacks provide shocks and suspense, leading up to the fiery subway showdown between humans and mutant vermin.
Cast
- Sam Groom as Paul Harris
- Sara Botsford as Kelly Leonard
- Scatman Crothers as George Foskins
- Cec Linder as Dr. William West
- Lisa Langlois as Trudy White
- Lesleh Donaldson as Marilyn Stewart
Trivia
- The movie Deadly Eyes (1982) was filmed in Toronto, Canada.
- The film features practical effects and puppetry to create the giant rat creatures.
- Deadly Eyes received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising its suspenseful atmosphere and others criticizing its low-budget production values.
- The film is known for its memorable scenes, including a climactic battle between the rats and the humans in a department store.
Anonymous on November 1, 2023