This film collection focuses on an unnamed German city plagued by rats with mysterious powers due to a plague, blending horror and science fiction. The films highlight the rats' ability to instill fear and cause widespread harm. The series progresses from the initial outbreak during a municipal strike, through efforts to stop a mad scientist responsible, to the socio-political turmoil and class conflicts the rats cause. It culminates with the rats controlling via a religious cult and the amalgamation of rat and human traits, emphasizing social disparity. The collection critiques societal behavior during crises, offering a new genre hybrid of horror, science fiction, and folklore while addressing socio-political issues.

Es ist der heißeste Sommer seit 150 Jahren. In Frankfurt streikt die Müllabfuhr, aber die Bürgermeisterin will nicht einlenken. Der jungen Ärztin Katrin Elder bleibt kaum noch Zeit für ihre Tochter. Die Kleine gerät in Lebensgefahr.