Review: 'Pig' is a Different Kind of Revenge Film

"Pig" might be one of the most surprising films of the year so far. Starring recent B-movie king Nicholas Cage, and with a plot that sounds like "John Wick" with a pig, audiences might go in expecting a balls-to-the wall revenge thriller. Instead, they are treated to a contemplative and empathic film about moving on from trauma.

Cage stars as Rob, a reclusive truffle hunter living alone in the Oregon wilderness with his faithful truffle pig. A former five-star chef, Rob lives a quiet, solitary life, only occasionally utilizing technology in the form of a boom box in which he plays a tape from his deceased wife.

In order to be able to support himself, Rob hunts and sells truffles to local dealer Amir (Alex Wolff), a fast-talking, douchey kid trying to prove himself to his distant father Darius (Adam Arkin). But when Rob's pig is violently taken, Rob immediately sets off to get it back. This takes him on a journey back into Portland (courtesy of Amir), where he navigates a painful past.

And that's where the movie surprises. At every turn you expect a violent confrontation or extended shoot-out where Rob confronts the "bad guys" and saves his fuzzy friend. But that never happens. Sure, there are a few moments of violence (not in the way expected), but every confrontation is, instead, met with Rob's icy glare that hides tremendous pain. He's not really in it for revenge. He just wants his pig back. Period. But in working to achieve that goal, he has to face the loss of his wife and figure out how to move on.

The end of the film offers no overwhelming epiphanies for Rob, but what he endures is a stepping stone for moving through his trauma and, hopefully, coming out the other side less damaged than he has been.

Cage is excellent here, reining in his usual over-the-top antics and reminding us that, yes, he really is a terrific actor when given exemplary material to sink his teeth into. In that sense, Cage is the perfect choice for Rob. We've seen so many wacky, adrenaline-filled performances by Cage over the past decade that to see him using silence and compassion to portray his rage, sadness, and empathy makes his performance stand out even more.

Writer/director Michael Sarnoski has crafted an elegant screenplay and film that gives Cage and Wolff a lot to work with under the surface. Wolff might appear to be a one-note character, but the film allows that character a wide breadth to grow, which Wolff plays beautifully. Arkin is also quite good as an arrogant businessman and father who is confronted with his own pain in order to feel someone else's.

While some audiences might be disappointed that Cage isn't going nuts as usual, they will hopefully appreciate the subtlety and emotion of the film's message. It might be too early to predict, but Cage may truly be up for his next Oscar nom with his performance in this beautiful and touching film about loss.

"Pig" opens in theaters July 16th.