Ratburger

Set in contemporary Britain, Ratburger unfolds across everyday urban spaces like council flats, schools and small shops. The story mirrors current social realities such as job loss, welfare dependency, and parental stress in a close-knit community. The pub, school, warehouse and shops become the backdrop for Zoe's adventures, danger from Burt, and her quest to protect Armitage.

Zoe's home is a crowded council flat where she and her father cope with unemployment and scarce benefits. The action moves to a local pub, The Executioner & Axe, where his drinking and despair create tension. Key locations include her school, a dim warehouse where the rat-burger operation unfolds, and Raj's newsagents where she seeks help.

🐀 Animals

A central thread follows Zoe's bond with Armitage, the intelligent rat, and her earlier love of Gingernut. The film uses animal tricks to symbolize hope, resilience and ingenuity in the face of neglect. It also critiques cruelty and exploitation of animals through Burt's burger operation and Sheila's poisoning of Gingernut.

👊 Bullying

Zoe endures daily bullying from Tina Trotts at school, highlighting the social pressure the young protagonist faces. The story tracks how Zoe refuses to be intimidated and seeks allies to stand up to cruelty. The resolution suggests forgiveness and change when Tina and Zoe form a fragile friendship.

👪 Family

Zoe's family is fractured: her mother is gone, her father is depressed after losing his job, and Sheila's presence is harmful. The film follows Zoe's resilience as she navigates this unstable home life while cultivating hope through Armitage. The ending shows a pivot toward a new family dynamic with shared dreams.

💡 Creativity

Zoe channels creativity into training Armitage and devising solutions to dangerous situations. Her inventiveness drives the plot—from teaching tricks to surviving Burt's schemes. The story celebrates imagination as a means of escape, empowerment and personal growth.