Rita: The Underrated Heroine of Flushed Away
First Impressions: Scavenger of the Sewers
“Flushed Away,” the DreamWorks animated adventure, often conjures images of Roddy St. James, the pampered pet rat who finds himself unexpectedly plunged into the bustling sewer metropolis of Ratropolis. While Roddy’s journey from privileged pet to sewer survivor provides the central narrative arc, it’s arguably Rita Malone, the resourceful and fiercely independent scavenger, who truly anchors the story and resonates deeply with audiences. Beyond her initial portrayal as a street-smart scavenger, Rita emerges as a complex and compelling character whose bravery, moral compass, and unwavering loyalty drive the plot forward and ultimately elevate “Flushed Away” beyond a simple fish-out-of-water tale. Rita isn’t just a sidekick; she’s the heart and soul of Ratropolis, and her influence on Roddy, the story, and the overall success of the film is undeniably significant.
Rita’s introduction is anything but subtle. We first encounter her aboard the Jammy Dodger, her family’s ramshackle but functional boat, as she navigates the treacherous waterways of the sewer. Her purpose is clear: to retrieve a valuable ruby, a mission fraught with danger and competition. Rita is depicted as sharp-witted, quick-thinking, and exceptionally skilled in the art of scavenging. Her initial demeanor is somewhat cynical, hardened by the realities of her life in the sewers. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, both literally and figuratively, and her interactions with Roddy upon their first meeting are laced with suspicion and pragmatism. She is a businesswoman first and foremost, driven by the need to provide for her family and secure their survival in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving. Her family is the motivation for every move that Rita makes, including searching for the ruby.
From Rivals to Rescuers: The Dynamic with Roddy
The relationship between Rita and Roddy is the cornerstone of “Flushed Away.” Their contrasting personalities, backgrounds, and motivations initially set them at odds. Roddy, accustomed to a life of luxury and ease, is completely unprepared for the harsh realities of the sewer world. Rita, on the other hand, views Roddy as naive and out of touch, someone who needs to learn the ropes quickly if he hopes to survive.
However, their differences ultimately become their strengths. Roddy’s initial ineptitude forces Rita to take on a mentoring role, guiding him through the dangers of Ratropolis and teaching him the skills he needs to survive. In turn, Roddy’s inherent optimism and sense of fairness begin to chip away at Rita’s cynicism, reminding her that even in the darkest corners of the world, kindness and compassion can still prevail.
As they work together to retrieve the ruby and evade the clutches of the villainous Toad and his hench-rats, their relationship evolves from a purely transactional partnership to a genuine friendship built on mutual respect and trust. They learn to rely on each other’s strengths and support each other’s weaknesses. Roddy starts to appreciate Rita’s resourcefulness and bravery, while Rita recognizes Roddy’s inherent goodness and his potential for growth. Roddy helps Rita rediscover her family as well as bring her a sense of belonging that she did not have before. It is also Roddy who helps her fight back the toad in an effort to protect her family and the only life that Rita knows.
Unwavering Courage and Clever Solutions
Rita’s bravery and resourcefulness are consistently on display throughout the film. She fearlessly navigates the treacherous sewer waterways, often facing down dangerous obstacles and formidable foes. She is a skilled pilot, expertly maneuvering the Jammy Dodger through narrow channels and turbulent currents.
Her quick thinking and ingenuity are also crucial to their survival. She is adept at improvising solutions to unexpected problems, using her knowledge of the sewer environment to her advantage. Whether she’s outsmarting the Toad’s hench-rats, devising elaborate escape plans, or using her scavenging skills to find essential resources, Rita consistently demonstrates her ability to think on her feet and act decisively under pressure. For instance, the ruby situation is quickly turned around through the efforts of Rita and her expertise. Without Rita’s expertise the team would not have even been able to be in a position to find the ruby in the first place.
A Moral Compass in the Murk
Amidst the grime and chaos of the sewer world, Rita’s strong moral compass shines brightly. She is fiercely loyal to her family and friends, always putting their needs before her own. She is willing to risk her own safety to protect them from harm, demonstrating a selflessness that is truly admirable. Even when faced with difficult choices, Rita consistently chooses the path that aligns with her values, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.
Her moral code stands in stark contrast to the amoral pragmatism of the Toad, who is willing to resort to any means necessary to achieve his goals. Rita’s unwavering commitment to doing what is right serves as a powerful counterpoint to the Toad’s villainy, highlighting the importance of integrity and compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances. Rita also has an immense impact on Roddy, and his motivation for doing what is right is completely influenced by the example that Rita sets for him. It is only through Rita and her example that Roddy is able to transform from a spoiled brat to a hero.
Family First: The Heart of Her Motivation
Rita’s dedication to her family is the driving force behind her actions. The Malones are a close-knit bunch, relying on each other for support and survival in the unforgiving sewer environment. Rita feels an immense responsibility to provide for her family, working tirelessly to earn money and secure their future. Her deep love for her family is evident in her interactions with them, and she is fiercely protective of their well-being.
The threat to her family becomes even more acute when the Toad kidnaps them, holding them hostage to force Rita to cooperate. This act only strengthens Rita’s resolve, further fueling her determination to defeat the Toad and rescue her loved ones. Her love for her family is the ultimate motivation, driving her to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This is another example of how Rita differs from Roddy because Roddy, at the beginning of the movie, does not have this sense of belonging and only truly experiences it through the help of Rita.
A Glimpse into Her Past
While “Flushed Away” focuses primarily on the present events of the story, subtle hints provide glimpses into Rita’s past, shedding light on the experiences that have shaped her into the resourceful and resilient character she is. These hints suggest a life of hardship and struggle, forcing her to develop a tough exterior and a pragmatic outlook on life. Yet, beneath her hardened exterior lies a compassionate heart, capable of great kindness and unwavering loyalty. It is through these glimpses of her past that we gain a deeper understanding of Rita’s motivations and appreciate the strength and resilience that she has cultivated in the face of adversity. These glimpses help shape our understanding of Rita’s cynicism, and why she is so cynical in the first place.
The Unsung Hero
In conclusion, Rita Malone is far more than just a sidekick in “Flushed Away”; she is the heart and soul of the story, a multifaceted character whose bravery, resourcefulness, and moral compass drive the narrative forward. Her relationship with Roddy is the key to his transformation, and her unwavering loyalty to her family provides the emotional core of the film. Rita is truly an underrated heroine in animated cinema. Without Rita, Roddy would not have been able to grow as a character, and would not have been able to find a sense of belonging with Rita and her family. This is something that Roddy was severely lacking at the beginning of the film. Kate Winslet’s vocal performance further enhances the character, bringing Rita’s strength and vulnerability to life.
“Flushed Away” is a film filled with memorable characters and exciting adventures, but it is Rita Malone who leaves the most lasting impression. Her resilience, her compassion, and her unwavering determination make her a truly inspiring figure. It’s a film that rewards repeated viewings, and each time, viewers are sure to find new reasons to appreciate the complexity and significance of Rita’s character. So, next time you watch “Flushed Away,” take a closer look at Rita Malone. You might just discover that she’s the true hero of the story, a reminder that even in the darkest and most unlikely of places, kindness, bravery, and loyalty can still shine brightly. Go on and rewatch Flushed Away, and focus on Rita Malone’s contributions and efforts to the team and you will see how much she truly impacts the movie. You’ll see just how Rita really is the star of the movie.
