Stalking in Movies: The Ratter Film

Stalking is a chilling and unsettling theme that is explored in various films. These movies are popular because the dangers and psychological impacts on the victims are highlighted. One such film that talks about the modern implications of stalking, enhanced by technology, is "Ratter." This 2015 thriller effectively combines suspense and a contemporary plot that explore how everyday technology, e.g., number tracker apps, laptop cameras and social media, can be weaponized to invade personal spaces and privacy.

Plot

"Ratter" follows the story of Emma (played by Ashley Benson). She is a young graduate student who has recently moved to New York City to start a new chapter in her life. She is excited about her new surroundings and documents her life through her electronic devices: her laptop and smartphone. Unbeknownst to her, a smart and dangerous stalker has hacked into these devices and is watching her every move. The stalker uses her technology to track her location, monitor her activities and gradually escalate the invasion of her privacy. Each day the stalker's presence becomes more and more intrusive and sinister. Emma's safety and security crumbles. All these lead to a tense and terrifying climax.

Main Actors

Ashley Benson as Emma:

Ashley Victoria Benson was born on December 18, 1989, in Anaheim Hills, California. She began her career as a child model and appeared in print advertisements and commercials.

Benson is best known for her role as Hanna Marin in the popular TV series "Pretty Little Liars" (2010-2017). She has also appeared in films such as "Spring Breakers" (2012), where she starred alongside James Franco, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, and "Pixels" (2015), a sci-fi comedy with Adam Sandler and Kevin James.

In "Ratter," Benson performs the unsuspecting victim whose life is turned upside down by a malicious stalker. Her portrayal of Emma captures the fear experienced by someone under constant surveillance.

Matt McGorry as Michael:

Matthew David McGorry was born on April 12, 1986, in Manhattan, New York City. He started his career as a fitness trainer before acting.

McGorry is recognized for his roles in two major TV series. He played John Bennett in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" (2013-2015) and Asher Millstone in ABC's legal drama "How to Get Away with Murder" (2014-2020).

McGorry plays Emma's ex-boyfriend, who becomes an unintended part of the stalker's manipulative game. His character illustrates the reach and impact of the stalker's actions beyond just the primary victim.

Rebecca Naomi Jones as Nicole:

Born on April 7, 1981, in New York City, Rebecca Naomi Jones is an actress and singer with a strong background in theater.

Jones has a big and rather successful career on Broadway. Her notable roles are in productions "American Idiot," "Passing Strange," and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." She had a role in TV shows like "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll."

Jones portrays Emma's supportive friend. She tries to help her cope with the situation.

Technologies and Location Tracking in the Film

"Ratter" shows a realistic portrayal of how modern technology can be exploited for nefarious purposes. The film employs several technological elements to heighten the tension and illustrate the terrifying reach of the stalker:

Hacking and Surveillance: It is the primary method the stalker uses to invade Emma's life is through hacking her electronic devices. He gains access to her laptop and smartphone, because of this the stalker can watch Emma through her webcams, read her messages and listen to her conversations. This constant surveillance turns Emma's once-private spaces into a fishbowl. This truly amplifies the horror as the audience witnesses her life through the stalker's perspective.

Location Tracking: One of the most chilling aspects of the film is the use of location tracking. The stalker uses GPS technology embedded in Emma's devices to monitor her movements in real-time. So the stalker knows her physical whereabouts at all times and anticipates her actions and manipulates her environment to create fear and uncertainty. The film shows how easy it can be for someone with malicious intent to exploit these technologies, which many people use daily without a second thought.

Social Media and Digital Footprints: "Ratter" also explores the dangers of sharing personal information online. Emma's digital footprint, e.g., her social media posts and online activities, gives the stalker information to further invade her life. The film tells about the risks associated with oversharing on digital platforms.

Disclaimer: All of these examples show that all of us should be more thoughtful about the technology they use. For example, if you want to benefit from a location tracking app, choose only those that are reliable and use different means for user protection, e.g., the Number Tracker app.

Ratings and Reviews

"Ratter" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Here’s how it was assessed: 

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a rating of 47% based on reviews from critics. The audience score is slightly higher at 51%, suggesting that viewers found the film intriguing but perhaps not entirely satisfying.

• IMDb: On IMDb, "Ratter" has a rating of 5.8/10, based on user reviews. This rating reflects a similar sentiment to Rotten Tomatoes, where the concept and execution were appreciated, but the film may have left some wanting more in terms of depth and resolution.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised Ashley Benson's performance. They note that she effectively conveys the terror and vulnerability of a young woman under constant surveillance. However, some critics felt that the plot was somewhat predictable.

Audience Reception

Many viewers found the concept of using everyday technology for stalking both relevant and frightening. Others felt that the slow buildup and lack of a conclusive ending detracted from the overall experience.

Résumé

"Ratter" is a thriller that uses modern technology to tell a story of invasion and fear. The film can remind you of the potential dangers lurking in the interconnected world we face daily. So, if you have spare time, we recommend you to watch this film and feel its twists and climax. You may not like it but you will probably be made to think about your privacy and safety more.