Rob (Nicolas Cage) is an experienced truffle hunter who hunts by himself in the Oregonian wilderness. Helping him with his hunts is his long term companion- a large female Pig. Life for Rob is generally quiet, and he keeps to himself, even keeping to minimal small talk with others who visit. It’s also evident that Rob once had a much different life. We see hints of this when he attempts to play an audio cassette tape that reminds him of a familiar voice from the past.
One night, while Rob is asleep, a noise is heard outside before someone kicks his front door down and violently attacks him. At the same time, the mystery attackers also steal Rob’s loveable Pig. Rob wakes up the next day with blood on his face, beaten and bruised with desires to get his Pig back. Rob contacts one of his well-paying customers, Amir (Alex Wolff), and asks him to travel with him to Portland, hoping to find the Pig. Finding the Pig will also be a challenge for Rob as he relives elements from his past.
Pig is a slow-moving tale. Despite this, the film had me quite engaged with everything on screen and the dialogue. Some moments certainly feel slightly odd, but I was still attracted. What starts as a basic story of a man seeking his Pig back surprisingly introduces drama and mystery elements, especially relating to Rob’s past life.
The plot is not the only thing that I found highly surprising. Let’s talk about Nicolas Cage, who plays Rob. Nicolas Cage gives a tremendous and memorable performance here. Whether it’s when the actor is speaking or dead silence as he dwells on the past and present moments, it’s a performance that feels refreshing and different from anything the actor has taken on in his previous and recent work. The supporting performance from Alex Wolff was also unexpected here, and again; I felt he worked wonderfully alongside Nicolas Cage as the two characters share multiple deep thoughts and conversations.
Visually, there’s a pleasing filming style on display here. Filled with touching scenes and emotions, I loved what I witnessed. The audio tracks are basic but effective at times, and at other times, they are powerful and touching to match what is occurring on screen.
Overall, this is not your typical Nicolas Cage film, and in fact, I’m proud to say it’s something new and something else. It’s a touching story of a man not only looking for his stolen Pig but dealing with moments from his past and present. Nicolas Cage gives an outstanding performance, and the side performance from the actor Alex Wolff is also impressive and pleasing. The film’s plot is certainly a slow burn, but I enjoyed all that was on display here, and in the end, I was left feeling refreshed and surprised with the experience I just had.
8.3/10
4th September 2021
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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