The year of 2021 has become an unusual transition phase for nearly anyone in greater society. Even in the world of movies, not everyone has made their way back to the big screen theaters and who could blame them? As a result, the studios have begun to list two release dates for each film they have produced: one for the theatrical release and another for the small-screen, streaming release. As you might imagine, this has made things all the more confusing for those of us who have an embargo on our reviews to contend with. Perhaps there could be a compromise, instead of something that seems so inconsistent, but I digress…
As I was telling a friend whom I talk about movies with a great deal, due to the financial losses that most studios have had to face in recent times, the direction of their films has taken a distinctly different turn. For those of us who enjoy low-budget, character-driven story arcs, it is a pleasant, though somewhat unexpected scenario. However, since it is a relatively new spin, not everyone involved quite knows how to make it a success… yet. You see, big-budget offerings are a cat of a different color, by comparison, and if a particular moviemaker is not accustomed to the former, it could be a great challenge and vice-versa.
So, what is the latest offering? Well, perhaps it is Michael Sarnoski’s “Pig,” starring Nicolas Cage, though it is his directorial debut, to be clear. Cage (“Jiu Jitsu”) is Robin Feld, a former chef who has become reclusive and now makes an earning as a truffle hunter. 
With his only companion, a small pig, at his side, the two live in an isolated environment, with the only real contact to the outside world being a young man by the name of Amir, played by Alex Wolff (“Jumanji: The Next Level”). Amir acts as a go-between for upscale restaurants who need the coveted truffles that Rob supples. Before things proceed, we observe Rob as a puts in a tape on his old stereo system. It appears that the voice he is hearing is of someone he cannot bear to listen to at this time; perhaps someone whom he loved and lost?
The real story takes off when some apparent poachers break into Rob’s small cabin and steal his prized pig. Try to imagine being totally alone with your thoughts and feelings and the only company you keep is a small, affectionate animal, but then that animal is taken from you. What does that pig truly represent for Rob? Maybe we will find out later on…
Amir takes Rob to the big city, which happens to be Portland. It becomes clear very quickly that Rob has been out-of-touch with society for quite some time and the exposure is painful to him, even in small doses. It is almost humorous to see Cage’s grimacing face, though, but in a very constrained way, which is unusual in my experience while watching him act over the years. In any case, Rob is determined to find his beloved pig and almost nothing can, or will, get in his way. Rob goes through a series of somewhat brutal exchanges with various figures of his past, only to discover that it was someone even closer to him that had taken his pig away from him, which seems to make things all the more hurtful.
This is where we see the introduction of Darius, played by Adam Arkin (“10 Cent Pistol”). His scenes with Cage are some of the most intense and emotionally meaningful moments of the entire story, but you will have to watch it to see why that is. The connection leads to something of a falling out between Amir and Rob and it is pretty understandable, in the end. 
However, I found that the less Cage’s character spoke, the better it was for the whole film. Sometimes when Rob would speak, it did not make much sense or seem relevant to the actual story, but that is my personal perspective.
Above all else, Nicolas Cage’s performance was remarkable. I had not seen him show such control in a role, maybe ever, and it was refreshing to me. In specific moments of the movie, the music and cinematography and editing were equally impressive. They were not as consistent, but it was a treat to experience, throughout. I think we can almost all relate to certain details of this character, Robin Feld, and it should make for a somewhat empathetic reaction, even though there were times when I was lost, around the middle portions of the film.
“Pig”is a great debut, in my view, from a directorial standpoint. This is a difficult position to take on and Mr. Sarnoski should be pleased with what he has helped to deliver. I was not totally satisfied with the overall product, but there was nothing that struck me as weak or falling short, either. Even though this movie was just over 90 minutes, I thought that the pace dragged just a little bit in the midst of the story, but that was it. Perhaps we will see some major acclaim once award season has arrived. It should not be much longer. Maybe the pig, itself, is good luck, after all. Who knows?
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Screenwriter: Sarnoski
Editor: Brett W. Bachman
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin, Nina Belforte as Charlotte and Gretchen Corbett (“Bucksville”) as Mac
Distributor: Neon
Release: July 16th, 2021 (theatrical) and August 27th, 2021 (streaming)
