Of Unknown Origin

Bart Hughes, a seemingly unremarkable investment banker, decides to turn down a family vacation in Vermont with his wife Meg and their young son Peter. This decision marks the beginning of a tumultuous series of events that will challenge his mundane life.

Soon after declining the vacation, Bart learns that a crucial project intended to boost his career has been handed over to his colleague James Hall. This setback intensifies the pressure he faces from his boss, Eliot Riverton, who expects Bart to develop a comprehensive reorganization plan within a tight two-week deadline.

Bart's difficulties are compounded by a determined female rat that invades his home, starting with minor disruptions. Initially perceiving it as a simple inconvenience, Bart soon discovers the ramifications of urban wildlife as chaos begins to unfold around him.

An issue with the dishwasher leads to flooding in Bart's apartment, drawing the attention of Clete, the superintendent of a nearby building. Clete’s insights reveal the true threat posed by the rat, prompting Bart to realize the gravity of his situation.

During a dinner party, Bart inadvertently shares unsettling facts about rodents he discovered in his library research. His revelations ruin the appetites of his guests and lead to perplexed conversations, showcasing the psychological toll the situation is having on him.

Desperate to solve his rodent problem, Bart visits a hardware store where he seeks dire advice from a salesman on pest control. This moment highlights Bart's escalating frustration and his willingness to try anything to regain control over his chaotic life.

The conflict escalates when Bart wakes up to find the rat atop his toilet, shocking him into action. This encounter prompts him to take extreme measures, leading to a perilous showdown that symbolizes his struggle for identity and control.

After a taxing day at the office, Bart shares a taxi ride with his secretary, Lorrie Wells, who hints at underlying marital issues he is grappling with. Their conversation is disrupted by the rat’s antics, reflecting Bart's chaotic mental state.

In a misguided attempt to combat the rat problem, Bart adopts a stray cat. However, he is devastated shortly thereafter by the cat’s tragic demise, which serves as a symbol of the relentless threat the rat poses in his life.

After a series of failed attempts to engage an exterminator and voicing his frustrations to Meg, Bart discovers that his detailed work report has been chewed to shreds by the rat. This loss serves as a stark reminder of how deeply the situation is affecting his life and career.

The next morning, a disheveled Bart confronts Eliot Riverton, revealing glimpses of his personal struggles amidst his professional facade. Eliot, noting Bart's stress, pragmatically advises him against burdening his colleagues with his turmoil.

In a chaotic attempt to escape his overwhelming reality, Bart injures himself while constructing a rattrap and seeks solace in a whiskey bath. During this state, he dreams of idyllic reunions with his family, only to be jolted by the menacing presence of the rat.

As Bart prepares for a climactic confrontation with the rat, he dons protective gear fashioned from household items. The fierce battle in his basement causes utter chaos, and when it concludes, Bart is left amidst the wreckage of his home.

As Bart uncovers the destruction he has caused, Meg and Peter return home, clearly concerned about the state of the house. Bart's offhand reply about having a party masks the turmoil he truly faces, highlighting the disparity between his inner chaos and the expectations of his family.