Your Friend the Rat

The narrative references ancient India, the Roman Empire, the Black Death era, and the Chinese zodiac, weaving a panorama of how rats were perceived across cultures. It also nods to Victorian England through the rat-catching anecdote, blending myth, superstition, and science. The framing emphasizes how perceptions shift with context rather than with inherent nature of rats.

The segment unfolds on a stage or in an auditorium where Remy and Emile deliver a narrated presentation about rats. It blends live performance with 3D and 2D animation, giving a documentary-feel to a playful show. The setting suggests a small educational performance aimed at inviting the audience to rethink common fears about rats.

🐀 Coexistence

Remy argues for peace between rats and humans, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit. The film contrasts fear with evidence, showing how rats have historically contributed as companions, workers, and subjects of study. It suggests that harmonious relations are possible when stereotypes are replaced with understanding. The tone remains hopeful but grounded in historical context.

📚 History as Lens

History is used to illuminate how culture shapes attitudes toward rats. By tracing sacred roles, superstitions, and scientific uses across eras, the film demonstrates that fear is often culturally constructed. This lens encourages viewers to question present-day prejudices by reflecting on the past. It argues that changing context can alter behavior toward living beings.

🎭 Performance & Meta-Narrative

The on-stage presentation and meta-narration blur lines between storyteller and subject, emphasizing that storytelling can alter perception. The use of 2D and 3D animation within the film mirrors how ideas about rats evolve over time. The musical element in the segment reinforces memory and engagement, making complex history accessible. The narrative uses performance to persuade through empathy rather than force.

⚖️ Perception vs Reality

The film juxtaposes myth and fact to challenge biased views of rats. It shows how misinformation can lead to harm, while evidence can guide ethical treatment. The central ethical question invites viewers to reconsider how society handles animals and how we judge beings by stereotypes. Ultimately, it promotes a more nuanced understanding of rats as capable of positive roles.