You are here:

Rodents of Unusual Size

Name: Rodents of Unusual Size
Director: Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer
Released: 2017
Duration: 71 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2017

Director

Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer

Runtime

71 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rodents of Unusual Size primarily serves as an ecological study rather than a character-driven social commentary. It emphasizes the conflict between environmental degradation and regional survival over explicit identity-based narratives. The film's strength lies in its exploration of environmental justice, linking the nutria infestation to human-driven crises like oil spills. This approach moves beyond the typical man-versus-nature cliché to highlight systemic instability. However, the documentary lacks representation for many social identities, focusing strictly on ecological and regional issues.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Rodents of Unusual Size have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on ecological issues and community resilience. It does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that address assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Rodents of Unusual Size portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on the residents of Delacroix Island, particularly Thomas. It does not specifically challenge traditional views on gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rodents of Unusual Size?

Fair

Set in Louisiana, the film highlights local communities dealing with environmental neglect. It touches on populations fighting systemic environmental problems.

How does Rodents of Unusual Size represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques large-scale failures such as oil spills. It portrays the struggles of islanders against bigger industrial and environmental forces.

Does Rodents of Unusual Size include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence showing the portrayal of neurodivergent conditions or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

Examines the connection between environmental justice and community resilience.
Offers a detailed look at how local populations deal with systemic industrial failures.
Challenges traditional nature clichés by highlighting human-driven environmental issues.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Does not depict neurodivergent or physical disability.
Does not explore gender hierarchies or subversion of traditional gender norms.

Official Synopsis

After decades of hurricanes and oil spills, Louisiana faces a new threat - hordes of monstrous 20 pound swamp rats. Known as "nutria", these invasive South American rodents breed faster than bounty hunters can "control" them. With their orange teeth and voracious appetite they are eating up the coastal wetlands that protects Thomas and his town of Delacroix Island from hurricanes, but the people who have lived here for generations will not give up without a fight.

How are these scores produced? →