Cage plays Robin “Rob” Feld, a revered restaurateur and chef whose pain over a personal loss has caused him to retreat into a life of seclusion in the Oregon wilderness, far removed from a technology-obsessed, shallow modern-day he despises. He now lives as a truffle hunter, his only company a doting truffle pig. Pig is kidnapped, setting in motion Rob’s return to the city, a desperate quest to recover that which he loves the most. It’s no use giving more summary than that, because it’s highly recommended to watch simple, streamlined yet stirringly unpredictable Pig as blindly as possible. With the bulk of praise directed at Cage—and Sarnoski (who co-developed the strange, lean and affecting story with Vanessa Block), it’s important to mention Alex Wolff here, too, as the 23-year-old Jumanji and Hereditary star gives his strongest performance to date, as Feld’s selfish and immature business connect Amir. When we first meet Amir, he’s decked out in a joke of a suit, flaunting a yellow sports car and unapologetic self-serving. He just seems like a punchable face at first, and then the clever, layered script gives him the film’s most fascinating, dramatically punchy arc (this script will receive awards nods come fall and winter). Three years ago, Mandy was hailed as a return to form for Cage. Panos Cosmatos’ dreamy acid trip revenge horror was shaggy, disturbing and simply unforgettable. Pig is a more polished film, and it makes the actor an early contender for Oscar consideration (he won Best Actor for 1995’s alcoholism drama Leaving Las Vegas). Rob Feld is—like the best on-screen creations that have stemmed from Cage’s eccentric, unpredictable vitality—an unforgettable presence. We believe this is an artist who remembers every meal he’s ever served, who’s unyielding in his principles and convictions. It’s astonishing how much and how deeply we grow to care for him in a swift 90 minutes. Certain cyber circles have christened Pig as “John Wick with a pig.” As tantalizing as that is, it’s not very true. Pig is part mystery but it’s mostly a drama, frankly evoking Pixar’s struggling chef drama Ratatouille as much as the Keanu Reeves actioner. It’s a triumph of low-budget sensory filmmaking and an emotional powder keg. Cage’s funny, devastating, understated (there is exactly one moment of “Cage rage” in Pig, and it’s perfect) tour de force feels like it will become iconic. Prepare to be wowed; prepare to be moved. Running time: 92 minutes Rated R for language and some disturbing content. From Neon, Pig is now playing in select theaters. Check out the best summer movies of all time.
