by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What would Nicolas Cage do for his pet pig? Would such a premise make for a great film? Neon thought so, because that is why we will be getting Pig coming to a theater near you! Cage has become such an enigma. Most of his work in the past decade has been straight to VOD trash… but he is so entertaining in that trash. Honestly, Cage could make almost any premise work with his sheer sense of will. But ever so often we get Kick Ass, Mandy, or Spider-Verse. Even earlier this year, we got Willy’s Wonderland, which is a trashy, yet entertaining treat where Cage says no lines, mugs at the camera, and decimates a gang of demonic animatronics. But we are here to discuss Pig… or Taken My Bacon.
Really… why would you steal Nic Cage’s pig?
We find out in this mythos-filled drama about a recluse chef (Cage) who searches for truffles with his furry pig. But when a dangerous and powerful businessman wants to cut out the middleman, a pig becomes taken. Like a pork themed Taken, Cage is pulled back into a world that he left behind him. Not only do we get a Cage with a particular set of skills, but we also get a man whose name and presence sparks fear and intimation among the people of the city (ala John Wick). Is that enough to grab your attention? Throw in an ambitious young man with daddy issues (Alex Wolff) and we have an intense and melancholic buddy movie to find a stole pig.
Do we get some classic Cage in this flick?
Oh yes, we certainly do. For the beginning parts of the film, we get a man who is quiet and contemplative as he loves spending time with his cute piggy. But after getting beaten and left pig-less, Cage becomes a man on a mission who is driven to a point of intimidation for any character that gets in his way. Steely-eyed and intense, Cage embodies the slight loner type perfectly with his Cage charm and rugged beard. He returns to the crazy world of fight bettering and then boasts a bloodied and rugged look for the rest of the film. Cage does not speak often, but when he does, he makes sure to only ask for his pig. He wants that pig. But the most important question is, does he Cage out? Yes. He. Does. Just when you think things have hit rock bottom, Cage lashes out in his perfect yelling way. He has no transportation, so he steals a bike. But what if the young owner does not want to give it up? YELLING! Cage does not care. You even get some quiet and emotional moments for Cage to flex his full range. This performance is one of his most reserved, yet inspired.
But is Cage’s memorable performance and presence enough to lift what appears to be quite the simple story?
It sure is…but there is more to this film than you might expect. Wolff’s arc starts as an annoying accomplice, but soon leads to a heartfelt struggle of a young man who has experienced loss as well the trauma of trying to prove himself to an ambitious and cold father. Wolff does a real fine job. Speaking of the ambitious and cold father… Adam Arkin is pitch perfect in his few intense and surprising scenes along the way. The story itself takes some turns along the way that are unexpected and subvert your expectations. What else could you want? The setup may feel like Taken and the mythos-building may feel like John Wick, but this film is much more thematic and introspective. Yeah… I was pleasantly surprised too.
So, will you be enjoying the Cage and his search for his pig?
Director Michael Sarnoski creates a melancholic and beautiful film of introspection and love. This surprising film works on many levels, and it is always refreshing seeing Cage doing something with depth and heart for a change. Treat yourself… and seek out Pig.
Grade: A-