Pig is an indie film directed by newcomer Michael Sarnoski that, despite its somewhat ridiculous premise, is a steady drama that is surprisingly satisfying in its simplicity. The film stars Nicholas Cage, Alex Wolff, and Adam Arkin in a bleak tale with lots of depth. Pig centers on Rob (Nicholas Cage), a truffle hunter who lives in the woods of Oregon, far removed from the bustling life of the city. When Rob’s secluded existence is thrown into disarray, he must confront both society and his past.
Pig does its best to strike a sorrowful but suspenseful tone, subverting expectations by slowly revealing its mysteries. While Nicholas Cage is mostly well-respected within the acting world, it’s no secret that many of his recent projects have been no more than campy schlock. Does Pig mark a resurgence for the Oscar award-winning actor, or is it a dull waste of an hour and a half? Let’s find out if this swine-centric indie flick is worth checking out!
Pig Review
Pig starts off strong, with protagonist Rob carrying out a typical day of hunting for truffle with his trusty pig. Scouring the woods for the extremely expensive culinary ingredient, he seems to find solace in this tedious career. Despite selling the truffles at a high price to his buyer Amir (Alex Wolff) every Thursday, Rob lives a remarkably quaint life in his cabin. Nestled deep in the rural wilderness outside of Portland, you immediately get the sense that Rob has isolated himself from most of society. One night, Rob is attacked in his cabin by a couple of bandits, who make off with his prized pig. Bloodied and beaten, Rob refuses to accept defeat and enlists the help of Amir to track down those responsible.
Separated into three parts, Pig is a riveting drama that continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with a driving narrative force and significant intrigue. As Rob ventures into downtown Portland and seeks out associates from decades prior, we get small glimpses into his mysterious past. A large portion of the story tracks Rob and Amir as they jump from location to location, tracking the pig with a fervent yet judicious approach.
While the plot sounds absurd on a base level, it manages to succeed, thanks to both excellent casting and a smartly-paced script. Both Nicholas Cage and Alex Wolff excel in their roles, carrying the movie with passionate, award-worthy performances.
Apart from the stellar acting and engrossing narrative, Pig stands out with a highly melancholic tone, reinforced by visually captivating shots and cinematography. Director Michael Sarnoski shows immense confidence with the camera, providing clear, beautiful scenes highlighted by a haunting score.
This results in a handful of truly note-worthy scenes, including a tense conversation in a fancy restaurant, a family dinner charged with emotion, and a painful trip to the seedy underbelly of Portland. Pig toys with your emotions and expectations in more ways than one, delivering a poignant story that lingers in your mind for some time.
Our Verdict on Pig
Overall, Pig is a fantastic debut feature film from Michael Sarnoski, with a weighty, introspective tone and intelligent story progression. Nicholas Cage shines in the gruff role of Rob, offering a muted but stunning performance that should put any negative naysayers to rest. On a surface level, Pig is a simple story about a man who just wants his pet back, and is willing to go to any length to see her safe return. However, hidden underneath the seemingly basic plot is an emotional tale wrapped in a compelling air of gloom, dealing with hefty topics like grief and reputation.
If you’re the type of movie-goer who appreciates the artistry of a good story and calculated camera, Pig will likely be one of your favourite films of the year. The slow-burn pace is married with an unrelenting narrative, continuously respecting the audience’s intelligence as it progresses. Unfortunately, if you were anticipating this to be a quirky revenge movie, you might walk away dissatisfied. While the film is mostly devoid of action scenes, there’s still a pervasive feeling of intensity that will keep you invested in the characters and story. If you’re a fan of Nicholas Cage or have an interest in potent indie dramas, Pig is definitely worth your time.
Like what we have to say? Sign up to subscribe to email alerts and you’ll never miss a post.
