Pig

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 16, 2021

Genre
Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Nicolas Cage as Robin “Rob” Feld
• Alex Wolff as Amir
• Adam Arkin as Darius

Director
Michael Sarnoski

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Olympia (2018) (Co-director, Producer)

Producer
Nicolas Cage, Thomas Benski, Vanessa Block, David Carrico, Adam Paulsen

Writer
Michael Sarnoski (screenplay), Vanessa Block (story by)

Budget
Estimated at $3 million

Production Company
Neon, Pulse Films, Saturn Films

Running Time
92 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Mature themes

Movie Story
“Pig” is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective drama that follows Robin “Rob” Feld (Nicolas Cage), a reclusive truffle hunter living in the remote Oregon wilderness. Rob leads a solitary life, his only companion a beloved truffle-hunting pig. He was once a celebrated chef in Portland, but after a personal tragedy, he withdrew from society to find solace in the quiet and isolation of the forest.

Rob’s peaceful existence is shattered when his pig is stolen in a violent home invasion. Desperate to recover his only friend and source of livelihood, Rob embarks on a journey back to the city he left behind. His search takes him through the underbelly of Portland’s culinary world, where he confronts figures from his past and uncovers long-buried emotions.

Amir (Alex Wolff), a young and ambitious truffle dealer who buys from Rob, reluctantly joins him on his quest. Amir initially sees Rob as a means to an end—a source of rare and valuable truffles—but as the journey progresses, he begins to understand the depth of Rob’s pain and the significance of his mission.

As Rob navigates the city, “Pig” reveals itself to be much more than a simple revenge story. The film explores themes of loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels disconnected and indifferent. Each encounter Rob has, from an old friend who now runs an exclusive restaurant to a former rival, is tinged with melancholy and a deep sense of regret. Through these interactions, the film slowly unravels the mystery of Rob’s past and the reasons behind his self-imposed exile.

The film culminates in a poignant and understated confrontation, where Rob’s motivations are laid bare, and the true nature of his quest is revealed. Rather than resorting to violence, Rob’s journey is one of emotional reckoning, and the film’s resolution is both heartbreaking and cathartic.

Special Effects
“Pig” is a character-driven film that relies on its performances, atmosphere, and emotional depth rather than special effects. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Oregon wilderness and the contrasting urban landscape of Portland, using natural lighting and a muted color palette to reflect Rob’s internal state. The film’s minimalist approach enhances its introspective tone, allowing the story and characters to take center stage.

Box Office Performance
“Pig” was released in theaters and on-demand, quickly garnering critical acclaim for its unconventional narrative, Nicolas Cage’s powerful performance, and its exploration of profound themes. Despite being a small, independent film with a modest budget, “Pig” performed well relative to its scale, resonating strongly with audiences and earning a devoted following.

Filming Locations

• Portland, Oregon, USA
• Oregon wilderness, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We don’t get a lot of things to really care about.” – Rob Feld
• “I remember every meal I ever cooked. I remember every person I ever served.” – Rob Feld

Behind-the-Scenes
“Pig” marked the feature directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski, who co-wrote the film with Vanessa Block. The film was shot on location in Portland and the surrounding Oregon wilderness, with a focus on authenticity and naturalistic performances. Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Rob was widely praised, with many considering it one of the best performances of his career. The film’s meditative pace and contemplative tone distinguished it from more conventional thrillers, establishing Sarnoski as a promising new voice in independent cinema.

Awards

• Nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award (Best Actor – Nicolas Cage)
• Nominated for Gotham Awards (Best Feature, Best Actor – Nicolas Cage)
• Won a Hollywood Critics Association Award (Best Indie Film)

Final Verdict
“Pig” is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that defies genre conventions to deliver a story of quiet power and emotional resonance. Anchored by an exceptional performance from Nicolas Cage, the film explores themes of loss, love, and the pursuit of meaning with grace and subtlety. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and those who appreciate films that challenge expectations and leave a lasting impact.

IMDb Rating
6.9/10