Pig (2021) // A Quiet, Soulful Surprise That’s More Than It Seems

I think the universe knew I needed something soulful to watch to calm the chaotic emotions brewing inside of me. That's why when I went looking for a film to watch, this one came up amongst the first five.

Weird title for a film huh? I thought the same too. Let me just say, it’s not at all what I expected. When I read “truffle hunter goes on a mission to retrieve his stolen pig,” from the short plot the movie channel offered, I imagined some kind of gritty revenge flick or a John Wick with bacon. But this movie? It’s nothing like that.

Instead, it’s this haunting, slow-burning, emotionally layered film about grief, memory, and believe it or not, food. I mean good food.

The plot is simple but surprisingly rich:

Robin (played by a bearded, almost monk-like Nicolas Cage) is a reclusive truffle hunter living in the Oregon wilderness. His only companion? His prized pig, who helps him sniff out truffles. One night, the pig is stolen, and Rob heads into the city to find her. That’s the premise, but trust me, it’s not really about the pig.

What makes this movie special to me, I don’t know about anyone else, is how still and thoughtful it is. Cage(my first impression of him) gives one of the most restrained, soulful performances I’ve ever witnessed by any actor in years. No yelling, no madness, just a man hollowed out by loss, navigating a world he once knew and now barely recognizes.

There’s something meditative about the whole thing. The pacing is slow, yes, but purposefully so. Each scene is just a quiet unfolding. Dialogue is sparse but meaningful. And the way it builds this underground, almost mythological world of Portland’s culinary scene? Kind of genius.
PS: this movie made me do a little digging into Portland and their foods.

I was especially struck by the emotional intelligence of the film. It’s not interested in violence or spectacle. There were moments where I honestly expected a fight but instead, it gave me a conversation so raw and honest, I had to pause. It just kept setting me up to expect one thing, then offered something deeper instead.

Visually, it’s muted and moody, full of shadows and silence. The cinematography almost mirrors Rob’s internal state which is worn out, but holding onto some quiet dignity. And the score? Beautifully minimal.

If there’s a downside, it’s probably that this film won’t be for everyone. It’s slow. Some might even call it boring if they go in expecting a traditional revenge arc. But if you let it unfold on its own terms, it hits hard in a subtle, aching way.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! But with a warning. This isn’t an action movie. It’s a grief movie. It’s a film about memory, purpose and that strange comfort we find in the things we love. So if you’re in the mood for something patient, quiet and unexpectedly poetic, Pig is one of those small films that says a lot without raising its voice.

Rating? A solid 10 to me. I love stories that sneak up to my heart. This one will linger in my heart for a while.

With love.❤️