Starring:
Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin
Directed By:
Michael Sarnoski
Written By:
Vanessa Block, Michael Sarnoski
Nicolas Cage is having one of the best years of his career. Say what you want about his out of the box choices that consistently surprise and engage his audience, the man is passionate about what he does. I’m intimidated just writing this review because of how much I want to get you to see Pig, but know that Cage is a specific taste for many and it may be hard to convey just how incredible this film is. But I’m going to try, because as the movie says, “we don’t get a lot of things to really care about”.
Without spoiling anything, Cage plays a man living in the woods looking for his stolen Truffle Pig. He gets the help of his Truffle buyer, played by Alex Wolff, as they search the city for the kidnappers. But the buyer is quickly starting to realize that this mountain man has much more to him than just his truffle hunter. From there, the film upends any expectation you could’ve had going in, in a shocking, beautiful, and powerful film.
Nicolas Cage is a triumph. I loved every second he was on screen and feel that this is his best performance of his recent films. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to his performances, and that’s no exception here. I seriously urge you to go in knowing as little as possible to get the most of his performance.
Also worth mentioning before checking this movie out, it’s a slow burn. This is a story that unravels with precise pacing and an understanding with its audience that you are in safe hands with director Michael Sarnoski. His directing, tone, and pacing are all expertly done.
The MVP (Most Valuable Performance) goes to Alex Wolff. He goes toe to toe with Cage and is able to not only hold his own acting wise but he also brings so much in his character. I loved seeing their back and forth and in the end I think they both could be nominated respectively for best actor and best supporting actor.
The messages and themes of the film are powerful and beautifully explored. There are specific scenes and dialogue that are instantly memorable and will be playing in every 2021 movie highlight video. Again, I can’t and won’t spoil this movie so go check it out, and any spoilers reach out to me on Twitter or Instagram and we can talk about specifics!
Overall, ‘PIG’ is the biggest surprise film of 2021. Only two other films this year have moved me like this film, and one of those happens to be ANOTHER Nicolas Cage film, ‘Prisoners of the Ghostland’. Nicolas Cage is an unparalleled genius, and I’m shocked that a movie about a Pig has done this to me.
