Rodents Of Unusual Size

Rodents Of Unusual Size is a quirky yet thought-provoking 2017 documentary directed by Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer, and Quinn Costello. Narrated by Wendell Pierce, the film throws light on a serious ecological problem while capturing the spirit of a community that explores the ties between man and nature while contending with a unique and destructive invasive species.

The film takes us on a journey to Louisiana, a region known for its swamps, bayous, and unique ecosystems. The primary focus is the nutria, a large semi-aquatic rodent, native to South America. Nutrias, colloquially known as "swamp rats", are an invasive and destructive species that have been eating away at Louisiana's precious coastal landscape, thus posing a considerable ecological threat.

Rodents Of Unusual Size dives into the cultural history of these creatures, tracing their journey from a failed fur industry in the early 20th century to the ecological nightmares the state of Louisiana currently faces. It explores how these rodents grew from pets and fur product sources to an existential threat whose burrowing habits have led to serious land loss, threatening the southern part of the state.

The documentary notably takes a humanistic angle. Wendell Pierce, the voice behind the narration, guides viewers through an intricate network of local Louisianaians who are dealing with this issue in both professional and personal capacities. They include swamp rat hunters, fashion designers who incorporate fur from these rodents into their designs, wildlife experts researching ways to curb the nutria population, and the local people whose livelihoods depend on the fragile wetlands that the nutrias are ravishing.

Specifically, the film features Michael Beran, a professional wildlife control agent, and Thomas Gonzalez, a resident of Delacroix Island in the heart of the bayou. Beran carves out a unique profession by trying to combat the nutria invasion in residential areas, while Gonzalez passionately recounts stories about past hurricanes and a changing landscape. Through these and other narratives, Rodents Of Unusual Size draws a complex picture of how environmental changes affect communities on both macro and micro levels.

The pacing of this documentary is balanced. It educates viewers about the dire issue at hand, allowing for enough humor and oddities that prevent the content from being too heavy. It possesses a certain charm as it weaves in regional music, local folklore, and a beautiful representation of the Louisiana landscape and its people. The film captures the essence of this community; resilience, adaptation, and a tangible bond with nature and wildlife, despite the struggles they pose.

Throughout the narrative, the filmmakers present the unusual solutions that manage to educate and amuse the audience at the same time, including the state's bounty program to motivate hunters, all the way to showcasing how nutria is popping up in fashion and on restaurant menus. Rodents Of Unusual Size provides an unsanitized depiction of the tension between man and nature, and presents a community that refuses to back down in the face of adversity.

The cinematography by Jeff Springer is stellar, adding to the overall narrative by capably capturing the changing Southern Louisiana landscapes. Its poignant visuals of the lush swamps, picturesque sunsets, and subtly hint toward the broader implications of coastal land loss, encouraging viewers to think, ponder and empathize.

In conclusion, Rodents Of Unusual Size is more than a documentary about an oversized rodent invasion. It's a story about people, culture, resilience, and adaptation. It portrays the tragic impact of environmental changes through the lens of a community that's continuously adapting to these shifts. This film thus successfully merges themes of environmental conservation, cultural history, community resilience, and animal behavior, offering viewers an illuminating, enjoyable journey through a pressing ecological issue. Despite its grim undertone, it shows us that even in adversity, there lies a spark of hope and an opportunity for innovative solutions.