Murder of a Cat (2014) Plot Summary Explained

Clinton is already emotionally vulnerable due to losing his comic book store to Ford's Megastore, which forced him to move back into his mother's basement. Mouser had been his companion through these hardships, and discovering the cat dead in the street with a strange object, later found to be a Ford's product, creates a sense of injustice that compels him to seek answers.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, a young boy asks specifically about Mouser at Clinton's yard sale, hinting the cat was already notable in the neighborhood.

• Clinton
• Mouser
• cat death
• investigation
• motivation

The object initially looked like an arrow protruding from Mouser's body, but upon closer inspection, Clinton realizes it is a product sold exclusively at Ford's Megastore. This discovery directly connects the cat's death to the store Clinton resents.

• Mouser
• Ford's Megastore
• arrow
• product
• cause of death

Sheriff Hoyle takes a lackadaisical approach to the investigation, dismissively telling Clinton to leave it to the professionals. However, it is later revealed that Hoyle harbors a secret attraction to Clinton's mother Edie, which may be influencing his behavior and making him reluctant to engage deeply with Clinton's case.

• Sheriff Hoyle
• Edie
• police
• investigation
• dismissal

Greta previously worked at Ford's Megastore but left after uncovering potentially illicit activities occurring within the store. She now works at an assisted living facility styling hair for elderly residents while enjoying reduced rent. Her knowledge of the store's dark secrets becomes crucial when Clinton teams up with her.

• Greta
• Ford's Megastore
• illicit activities
• employment
• investigation

Greta explains that her cat, named Horatio, is a notorious escape artist. The cat Clinton found matches Horatio's description and pictures in Greta's room. It appears Mouser/Horatio somehow ended up with Clinton, though the exact circumstances are part of the mystery they investigate together.

• Mouser
• Horatio
• Greta
• cat ownership
• escape artist

Yi Kim is an eccentric character Clinton and Greta encounter during their investigation. His true nature remains shrouded in mystery, and his quirky demeanor and obscure motivations add layers of intrigue to their quest for answers about Mouser's death and the Ford's conspiracy.

• Yi Kim
• investigation
• mysterious character
• Ford's Megastore

As Clinton and Greta delve deeper into the investigation, they learn of potentially illicit activities that took place at Ford's Megastore. The conspiracy reveals a dark underbelly to the seemingly peaceful suburban town, putting Clinton and Greta in grave danger as they get closer to the truth.

Foreshadowing: Clinton already blames Ford's for destroying his comic book store, establishing the store as a source of community problems.

• Ford's Megastore
• conspiracy
• illicit activities
• danger
• investigation

The bizarre nature of Mouser's death, an animal found with a strange object resembling an arrow in a quiet suburban community, catches the media's attention. This turns Clinton into a local celebrity and complicates his life as others begin recognizing him from news reports.

• media
• Clinton
• celebrity
• cat death
• news

After Clinton presents evidence that supports his claim to Mouser, he and Greta join forces to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the cat's death. Their partnership combines Clinton's personal stake with Greta's inside knowledge of Ford's, creating a team filled with unexpected humor and perilous encounters.

Foreshadowing: Greta's past employment at Ford's and her discovery of illicit activities directly connect to the investigation.

• Clinton
• Greta
• partnership
• investigation
• team up

The cat's murder serves as the catalyst that propels Clinton into action and ultimately leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy in his town. While it appears absurd on the surface, the investigation reveals the dark underbelly of the seemingly peaceful suburban community, combining dark comedy with thriller elements.

Foreshadowing: The opening collision scene sets up the film's tone of unexpected events leading to larger consequences.

• cat murder
• thriller
• dark comedy
• conspiracy
• plot device