Pig - A Movie Review

I am getting my pig back once and for all.

Pig is a 2021 film. A man’s pig is stolen from him. Determined to find his pig, Robin reluctantly ventures into the world from which he has been a recluse for years. During his stay, the past returns.

I have been waiting to see Pig ever since it was released. Pig was a well-acted and deep film. I was not expecting it to be a resonating story. Based on its name, the film is not just about one subject.

Nicolas Cage completely disappeared into this role. As Cage noted, taking this role was more of a provocation to express that he can manifest a realistic performance. He becomes his character. Cage’s emotional performance was so moving that Cage still cannot watch the final film.

A broken man who is out for a different kind of vengeance opens up. Robin is a relatable person. Deciding to run from his insecurities, we are allowed to make our lives what we want.

Since Cage was nominated for his captivating performance during the Golden Globes, it’s only fair that Alex Wolff should have been, too! Wolff is incredible. He is becoming an actor of his time. I am impressed with the way he transforms himself in every role. He is a highlight - both in his dramatic and comedic levity.

Cage and Wolff had the best on-screen chemistry. Sporting an unlikely friendship, their dynamic was studied well. I enjoyed all of their interactions. You don’t have to share the same interests to be friends. Their friendship examines the value of supporting friends during rough times. That’s a heartwarming moral that we have not seen in films for a while.

Pig was well-cast. Each actor invested in their roles. A lot of the cast had small roles. No matter how small your part is, one still masters an impact. Without the credits of Adam Arkin, Cassandra Violet, Julie Bray, and Elijah Ungvary, this film would not be what it is.

A hand goes out to the pig used for the film. Due to low budgets, filmmakers couldn’t hire a trained pig. The pig bit Cage a few times during production! For its minimal time, the pig was great. And adorable!

Michael Sarnoski did a wonderful job with the atmosphere of the film. With only 20 days to film, Sarnoski accomplished the mood, character dynamic, and creative visuals. To gain the perspective of Robin’s anxiety of the busy city life, the screen was dizzying, editing quick shots. Cinematography captured the space and the emotion surrounding it.

Sarnoski picked great locations to film in. Filmmakers did a great job furnishing Robin’s cabin. It feels lived in. Because Robin has been a recluse living in the wilderness for years, locations like restaurants or neighborhoods are foreign to him. Since we’re familiar with these locations, I got a sense of how out of place Robin felt.

Subtlety is another mastered element. Movies shouldn’t have to give away important details. It’s better to let the film tell the story. The film is slow which may turn some viewers off. I liked the overall pacing.

Pig is an emotional story. It was not the story I was expecting. I read that nearly an hour was cut from the final film. I don’t know what these scenes contained but I think it was a good idea. The film was already ninety minutes. I liked the final results.

You need to find Pig and watch it. It was overlooked by the Oscars this year! This film needs to be talked about more.