Movie Review: “Pig” is a reminder of what a truly gifted actor Nicolas Cage can be when given the right material

MOVIE REVIEW: PIG (R)

Right out of the gate, let me just say that “Pig” could very well be the best film of 2021 thus far. Yes, this is a special movie and quite honestly, it completely took me by surprise. At the very least, “Pig” is a firm reminder that Nicolas Cage is quite a talent and a much stronger actor than he’s often given credit for.

In “Pig,” Cage is Rob, an ex-chef turn truffle hunter who lives his later years off the grid. He spends his reclusive life in a cabin in the middle of the Oregon wilderness, a lovely pet pig by his side, seeking truffles in the woods and trading them for supplies from Amir (Alex Wolff), a man looking to make his mark in the big city restaurant scene. Rob’s very existence is rocked to the core when he’s beaten senseless and discovers that the same perpetrators who’ve assaulted him have kidnapped his best friend. Without missing a beat, Rob heads back to his old stomping ground, Portland, in an effort to get his pig back at any cost and return to his life of solitude.

The trailers for “Pig” suggest that it might be a sort of “John Wick” tale of vengeance substituting a dog with an entirely new version of man’s best friend. With all due respect to that much beloved Keanu Reeves-headlined action franchise (of which I’m a fan), this offbeat, richly textured character-driven drama emerges as something considerably more thoughtful. Not only that but “Pig” sneaks up on you in numerous ways. From the outset, this movie feels as if it might be an exercise in cynicism, but in the end, this is a very hopeful story about love, loyalty, integrity, and human connection.

Leading the charge is Cage who delivers one of the best performances of his career. As fond as I am of Gonzo-mode Cage, it’s an absolute thrill seeing him in films like this. “Pig” shows a more introspective, nuanced shade of the actor in a role that’s reminiscent of his underappreciated work in movies like “Joe.” His Rob is understated and quiet, but it’s also perfectly clear that he’s the sort of guy who will do just about anything for those he cares about. Whether he’s taking a beating or spouting words of wisdom to a chef leading a seemingly inauthentic life, Rob is authentic and Cage captures this character’s spirit in perfect fashion.

Complimenting a stellar Cage is a wonderfully effective Wolff. As a man looking to find his true self, Amir learns a lot about life by way of his unexpected bond with Rob, and watching the connection between these two unfold is one of the many subtle joys of this outstanding movie. Also turning in a brief but memorable performance is a fantastic Adam Arkin as a man from Rob’s past. Where he fits into the proceedings is best left unspoiled here only to say that his stuff in the final act is as powerful as it is heartbreaking. On an important side note, a big shout out to the title character of this film. In a very limited amount of screen time, you’re instantly going to fall in love with her and that’s essential to the overall power of this movie.

As directed by the gifted Michael Sarnoski, “Pig” is quite the unexpected left-of-center gem. The detailed character work and images of mouth-watering food go without saying, but this movie has so much more to offer. It’s sad, poetic, heartfelt, moving, and poignant in equal measure. And yes…As stated at the top of the review, it’s one of the year’s very best films. See it before it’s gone!