Title: Pig
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

What It Is: Rob (Cage) is a hermit who lives alone in the forests of the pacific northwest. I say alone but in reality he lives there with his beloved truffle pig. When someone steals his pig, which is besides being his friend and pet is his livlihood. With the help of the man for whom he is a supplier they will try tirelessly to retrieve the pig and return life back to normal for the beaten and broken Rob.

What We Think: That description doesn’t do enough justice for what this film is. I found the final act a bit of a betrayal but that stems from my own assumptions. The film isn’t what you think it is. Unless what you assume you’re getting is a fantastic Nicholas Cage performance (as if there’s anything besides fantastic in his filmography). If that’s what you’re looking for then spot on. He’s terrific here. It has a minimalistic feel to the whole thing. That stems from newly-minted Independent Spirit nominee Michael Sarnoski. Sarnoski brings a subtle hand behind the lens and let’s scenes breath JUST enough. This is very much a solo story. One wonderfully put together. It is a slow burn for sure. Ine that some will find spectacularly satisfying. Others may not. That, as mentioned, will stem from expectations.

Our Grade: B+, A showstopping turn from Cage and a marvelous debut from a young director carry what some will find a manipulative and head-scratching third act through to the end. This is a must. see for the year. If only to see or to show that Nic Cage still has a few tricks up his sleeve. This is quite honestly a fantastic film. One you need to check out. Best news is it is available via HULU right now!