Pig

When I first heard about the movie Pig, I had certain preconceived notions about the kind of movie it would be, especially since it starred a deranged looking Nicolas Cage, so I decided not to see it.  However, I started reading rave reviews (which admonished viewers to go into the theater knowing as little as possible to fully enjoy it) so I changed my mind.  I went to see it last night and I'm not sure what I expected but it certainly wasn’t a philosophical meditation on finding meaning in a seemingly meaningless world!  Robin Feld (Cage) is living off the grid in a rustic cabin deep in the woods of Oregon.  His only means of support is selling truffles to Amir (Alex Wolff), who then sells them to the trendy restaurants in Portland, and his only companion is his prized foraging pig.  He is a broken man and he clearly has his demons.  One night he is savagely attacked and his pig is stolen which leaves him devastated.  He enlists the help of a reluctant Amir, who has his own demons, to help him find his pig and their search brings them to Portland, where is is revealed that Feld was once a well-regarded chef.  That is really all you should know before going in but you should also know that this is a complex character study rather than a traditional revenge thriller (there is a scene of shocking violence but it is not at all what you are expecting) and that might prove disappointing for some.  I think it is brilliant because, while it is definitely a slow burn, everything that happens builds upon and expands the central idea.  Cage is really hit or miss with me but this is one of his best performances.  His delivery of a monologue at the midway point is absolutely haunting and it gave me goosebumps.  Wolff is also very good and Amir's character arc is as compelling as Feld's.  This is definitely one of the best movies I've seen this year and I highly recommend it!