A group of friends encounters a group of ravenous alien rodents in the Jason D. Morris horror comedy The Space Rodent.
The Space Rodent is a campy blend of sci-fi, comedy, and horror that dives straight into the absurd with great enthusiasm; imagine if Shaun Of The Dead took on the Critters and Pumpkinhead. Directed by Jason D. Morris and written by Robert Carrera, this low-budget B-movie takes us on a chaotic journey that’s as daft as it is entertaining. It’s certainly not chasing critical acclaim, but it offers some campy fun with a quirky and interesting use of practical effects.
The film’s opening shows us the surprisingly advanced world of a spacefaring rodent civilization, where we see an inter-species squabble and some impressive space travel that feels hilariously out of place given the budget constraints. It’s a bold introduction that sets the tone for the madness to come. The real story begins when we meet Mac and Dean, two immature yet lovable best friends whose camaraderie and quick-witted banter bring a relatable and heartfelt core to the film. Their humorous antics anchor the story amidst a backdrop of chaos. That chaos is unleashed when a spaceship full of ravenous alien rodents crash-lands in their small town and all logic is abandoned.
The low-budget puppetry and practical effects are surreal and impossible to ignore, but they’re also part of the film’s charm. The shoddy yet imaginative design of the alien creatures, brought to life through exaggerated puppetry and cheap effects, embodies the spirit of B-movie filmmaking. Instead of hindering the experience, these scrappy visuals add to the movie’s comedic appeal, making it clear that the filmmakers embraced their limitations.
The cinematography leans heavily into the campy aesthetic, with dramatic close-ups while using dim and dark lighting that helps to hide the low budget. Whether it’s the exaggerated reactions of the characters, the hilarious use of hand puppetry, or the comically graphic moments. The film revels in its own absurdity with the result being a tone that is thankfully deliberate and self-aware.
The problem with The Space Rodent is that it takes a very long time to get to this point, the film is 80 minutes long but is only really bookended by the aliens. So while we wait for the denouement what we are given is some padding, some fun scenes of banter between the boys, and travelling scenes between the girls. If you’re patient you will find some highlights, a recurring trick-or-treater adds another layer of bizarre, while a few funny lines raise a smirk. But the real stars are the rodents who are grotesque, hilarious, and completely unhinged. The performances of the cast, while far from polished, are genuine and suit the film’s offbeat energy; Mac and Dean’s dynamic stands out, providing warmth and a grounding. Their relatable chemistry offers an emotional anchor, even as the story spirals out of control.
Ultimately, The Space Rodent isn’t trying to be anything more than a low-budget, self-aware romp that delivers both laughs and shocks. It’s a film best enjoyed with friends, popcorn, and an open mind. While the puppetry and effects may be cheap, the sheer creativity and commitment behind the movie make it a surreal love letter to fans of campy sci-fi horror who don’t take their movies too seriously.
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