One of the biggest sleeper hits of 2021 happens to be a small film starring Nicolas Cage in search of a pig. Renowned for its surprisingly touching subject matter and praised for Cage's riveting performance, Pig is easily one of the most critically-acclaimed movies of the year. Here's a breakdown of the movie -- including, what it's about, where you can watch it, what critics are saying about it, and whether it makes Cage one of the early contenders in this year's forthcoming awards season race.
What Is Pig About?
What begins with a disheveled truffle forager living deep in the woods quickly becomes a quest for revenge, as Robin "Rob" Feld (Cage) is in search of his stolen foraging pig. At first glance, Pig may seem like a John Wick-style thriller focusing on a vengeful protagonist seeking justice on behalf of a beloved pet, but as Rob reemerges in his hometown to uncover the whereabouts of his missing pig, the film unravels itself as an intimate drama. Through Rob's journey in hunting down his culprits, Pig slowly reveals a haunting past that ultimately results in a poignant, heartfelt tale.
While the search for Rob's pig is the literal plot of the film, the missing pork chop ends up being a mere narrative device to unearth the harsh truths surrounding Cage's tragic character. With the help of Rob's supplier Amir (Alex Wolff), the pig pursuit leads down a rabbit hole as the past catches up with the present. As the townspeople recognize Rob as a once-beloved restaurant owner, Pig strips away the fat of the film's plot and prepares a heartwarming dish for an audience that captivates character as much as it pays tribute to food in a fashion similar to Pixar's Ratatouille.
Where Can I Find Watch Pig Online?
Although currently not streaming, Pig is available to download for rent or purchase on most VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, Spectrum, YouTube, and so forth.
Is Pig Still in Theaters?
Despite the film being accessible on-demand, Pig is also still currently playing in select theaters. Tickets can be purchased online at Fandango or in-person at local cinemas -- wherever the film is being screened. Due to differing coronavirus (COVID-19) safety policies, some theaters may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entering.
What Is the Critical Reception for Pig?
With a small theatrical U.S. release over the summer, Pig was distributed by Neon and has since gained a following due to word of mouth. The film's small popularity has quickly spread after its European premiere at the 74th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival, eventually leading to a wider distribution in the UK and Ireland. With over 200 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently sits Certified Fresh at a whopping 97% and has gained universal acclaim from critics everywhere. As Rotten Tomatoes declares, "Pig defies the hogwash expectations with a beautiful odyssey of loss and love anchored by Nicolas Cage's affectingly raw performance."
Could Pig Earn Nicolas Cage Another Oscar Nomination?
On top of already achieving a sensitive story with a moving message, Pig has quickly become renowned solely for Cage's acting. Having spent the last decade or so exploring eccentric roles in offbeat films, the Oscar-winning actor seems to have rediscovered his roots with the small but touching tale. (Critic Tara Brady describes it as his most contemplative performance in years and a reminder of a time when David Lynch hailed Cage as "the jazz musician of American acting.") It's still too early in awards season to declare, but Cage's performance has garnered enough attention that he could even be nominated for an Oscar come 2022.
Backed by a sensitive story and a powerful turn from Cage, Pig seems to be doing well with just about everyone, and through word of mouth, the film is gaining massive critical traction. After crawling out of a difficult year in 2020, movies appear to be back in full swing, and films like Pig prove through and through: A quiet and meaningful picture can pack just as much of a punch as a brawling blockbuster.