Ben

Ben is a 1972 made-for-TV horror film directed by Phil Saville and starring Craig Hasson and Gregory Harrison. The film is loosely based on a short story of the same name by Gary Brandner, which was later developed into a full-length novel. Although the story revolves around friendship, the novel explores themes of horror and violence, as opposed to the wholesome, family-oriented approach taken in the 1972 film. The film takes place in a small English village, where Craig is a young boy living with his family. The villagers are mostly friendly and welcoming, but an eerie atmosphere settles in once the story unfolds. The villagers are unaware that a rat infestation has taken over the local church, and these are not ordinary rats but vicious, aggressive creatures that roam freely during the night. The main character of Craig is portrayed as a lonely child struggling to connect with his peers in the village. Despite this, he befriends Ben, a rat that initially seems harmless and intelligent. As Craig spends more time with Ben, he is unaware that his new friend is not just an ordinary rat but the leader of the pack. The film focuses on the bond between Craig and Ben, exploring their unique relationship and how it develops over time. However, the film's darker underbelly is gradually revealed as the villagers begin to fall prey to the killer rats. The once peaceful village becomes a battleground for survival, with the humans fighting for their lives against the ferocious rat pack. As Craig becomes more involved with Ben, he discovers the true nature of his new friend, and the two are faced with moral dilemmas that challenge their bond. While some critics praised the film for its unique storyline and themes, others argued that it failed to deliver on the promise of the novel. A major criticism was that the film did not adequately address the dark themes present in the novel, focusing more on the friendship between Craig and Ben instead. Although the film is often dismissed by modern audiences, it is worth noting that the early 1970s were a period of great cultural and social change, and the themes explored in the film reflect the anxieties of the era. Phil Saville's direction was praised for creating a sense of foreboding and unease, which suits the atmosphere of the film. The film's cinematography was also commended for effectively capturing the English countryside and the sense of isolation that permeates the story. The cast, including Craig Hasson as Craig and Gregory Harrison, were praised for delivering believable performances that added depth to the story. Despite its somewhat mixed reception, Ben has become a cult classic and is often cited as a precursor to more mainstream horror films of the 1970s and 1980s. While it may not be a horror film in the classical sense, it is a chilling exploration of the darker aspects of human and animal nature, which are sure to continue captivating audiences for generations to come.