---
title: "Pig"
year: 2021
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/pig"
fi1m_id: "pig"
imdb_id: "tt11003218"
tmdb_id: 635731
wikidata_id: "Q86675328"
fi1m_score: 82
critics_score: 77
critics_reviews: 26
published: "2026-09-30T21:15:47.919692+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-30T21:15:48.383304+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Pig (2021)

Directed by Michael Sarnoski · 1h 32m · MPA R · Drama, Thriller, Mystery

## Identity

Pig

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/pig
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** pig
- **IMDb ID:** tt11003218
- **TMDB ID:** 635731
- **Wikidata ID:** Q86675328
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11003218/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/635731, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q86675328

**Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 77 from 26 reviews

*In a sentence:* A revenge film in which the wronged man’s most frightening move is to cook you dinner and remember your name

> Michael Sarnoski’s first film sets up a revenge story about a stolen pig and declines to tell it. Nicolas Cage barely raises his voice and is as good as he has been in years, though the script keeps saying what his face already has.

## Synopsis

Rob Feld (Nicolas Cage) lives alone in a shack in the woods with a pig. In the mornings she noses about the forest floor for what he sells; in the evenings he cooks and listens to an old cassette. Once a week Amir (Alex Wolff), a young dealer, drives up the track to buy what she has found and sell it on to the city’s restaurants. Then two strangers break in at night, beat Rob and take the pig. With no car and no phone, he makes Amir drive him into the city to get her back, starting at a roadhouse where Mac (Gretchen Corbett) still knows his name and a basement under a hotel where Edgar (Darius Pierce) runs fights for restaurant workers.

## Review

Rob Feld (Nicolas Cage) lives in a shack in the woods with a pig who forages for him, and once a week a young man drives up the track to buy what she has dug up. That is his life until the night two strangers break in, beat him and take her. Anyone who has watched a Nicolas Cage trailer in the last ten years knows what should happen next. Michael Sarnoski’s first film, from a story he wrote with Vanessa Block, sets up that expectation in its first quarter of an hour and then spends the rest of its 92 minutes not meeting it. Rob does go to the city. He does not hurt anybody.

What he does instead is talk, in a voice that seldom gets above a murmur, to people who knew him before he went into the woods. It is the best work Cage has done in a long while, and it is good because he has stopped asking us to watch him act. He plays the whole film with dried blood on his face and a coat Jayme Hansen has torn at the shoulder, and he does almost nothing with his body. When he needs to hold a room he sits still and waits.

Amir (Alex Wolff) drives him in, all hair gel and tight jacket, playing classical music in the car to sound like a man who eats where he sells. Wolff is good at being slightly too loud. The two of them stop at a roadhouse where Mac (Gretchen Corbett) still knows Rob’s name, at a basement under a hotel where Edgar (Darius Pierce) runs bare-knuckle fights for kitchen staff, and at a restaurant with white tablecloths run by Finway (David Knell). The basement is where the film goes wrong. It is staged as if it were the real thing and we did not believe it for a second; it exists to get Rob hurt, and it is the one scene where Sarnoski is doing what the trailer promised.

The restaurant is where it goes right. Rob sits opposite Finway, whose menu describes the scallops as deconstructed, and asks him what he wanted to cook when he was young. Knell’s face does the rest: the smile going, the eyes filling, a man remembering that he once wanted to open a pub. It moved us more than we thought a scene about scallops could, and the reason is that nobody raises a voice. Rob is not threatening him. He is telling him the truth about his own life, and Sarnoski holds the two men in a plain shot and lets it sit.

Pat Scola shoots the forest in grey-green daylight with the camera at Rob’s shoulder, and shoots the city at night in orange streetlight and the dull steel of kitchens. Tyler B. Robinson’s production design gives Rob a stove, a table and a shelf of jars, and gives Finway a dining room about as warm as a dentist’s waiting room. Brett W. Bachman’s cut runs 92 minutes and nothing in it is padded. Alexis Grapsas and Philip Klein’s score is guitar and low strings and it has the manners to stay out of the talking scenes.

The script does not always have the same manners. Rob has a habit of explaining the theme, telling Amir that none of the city is real and that we do not get many things to care about, and the second time someone told us what matters we wished Sarnoski trusted his lead’s face as much as we did. Amir’s change of heart can be seen coming from the car park. Adam Arkin’s Darius arrives with a speech about the pig’s worth that sounds typed.

Most critics like it and so do we; the one dissenter calls it ordinary. Anyone who comes for the film the trailer sells will be restless by the half hour, and the 15 certificate is for one beating, early. See it without reading anything else about it. It will make you hungry and then it will make you sad, in that order.

*Fi1m score 82, published 30 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like Pig, and nearly all of them make the same point first: it is not the revenge thriller its premise suggests. The praise clusters around Nicolas Cage, whose quiet, restrained performance is named as the film’s chief strength in review after review, with a restaurant confrontation with a former protégé singled out more than any other scene. Michael Sarnoski’s direction and the film’s patient treatment of grief draw steady approval, and several reviews note Alex Wolff’s rapport with Cage.

The reservations are about pace and tone. A few critics find the film too quiet or too morose to be distinctive, and one or two feel the philosophising outruns the story. The spread is narrow, and even the middling reviews call it moving. The one dissent comes from The New Yorker, which finds the storytelling blunt and the symbolism heavy, and credits Cage alone with lifting it. The Hollywood Reporter finds the screenplay uneven.

## Straight answers

**Is Pig worth watching?**

*Pig* is worth watching for anyone who wants a quiet character drama rather than the revenge thriller its set-up promises, and we scored it 82. Nicolas Cage barely raises his voice and is as good as he has been in years. Anyone hoping for the film the trailer sells will be restless by the half hour.

**How long is Pig, and what is it rated?**

*Pig* runs 1h 32m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a drama and thriller film.

**Where can I watch Pig in the US?**

*Pig* is not on any streaming or rental service in the US at the moment. It is available in 28 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Pig, and is it suitable for children?**

*Pig* carries a 15 certificate in the UK and an R in the US, chiefly for one beating early on and a bare-knuckle fight staged in a basement. It is not frightening in the horror sense and the man at its centre hurts nobody. It is a slow, talky film about grief and cooking, so it is not for younger children on grounds of interest as much as content.

**How does Pig compare to First Cow?**

*Pig* and [*First Cow*](https://film.one/film/first-cow) are both Oregon films about food, friendship and what the trade does to people, but *First Cow* is a patient frontier story and the finer film of the two. Kelly Reichardt lets a friendship carry the whole picture; Michael Sarnoski leans on Nicolas Cage and a script that sometimes states its theme aloud. Choose *Pig* for the performance and *First Cow* for the slower, richer film.

**What should I watch after Pig?**

After *Pig*, try [*First Cow*](https://film.one/film/first-cow) (2019, Fi1m 85): Another Oregon film about food, friendship and what the trade does to people. Then [*Babette's Feast*](https://film.one/film/babettes-feast) (1987, Fi1m 86): One meal, cooked with everything a person has, changes a room full of strangers; and [*Leave No Trace*](https://film.one/film/leave-no-trace) (2018, Fi1m 88): A man in the Pacific Northwest woods who cannot come back to the city.

### Reviews we read (26)

- **The AV Club**, Mike D'Angelo (90/100, inferred): The review finds Pig unexpectedly profound and magnificent, far richer than its revenge-thriller premise suggests. It especially praises Nicolas Cage’s raw, restrained performance and Michael Sarnoski’s confident storytelling and visual choices. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/pig-is-so-much-richer-and-stranger-than-the-nicolas-cag-1847281425)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (90/100, inferred): Ebiri finds Pig a compassionate, expectation-defying fable rather than a conventional revenge thriller. He praises Cage’s haunted performance, especially in a restaurant confrontation that turns into a meditation on meaning and connection. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-pig-starring-nicolas-cage.html)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (3.5/4): The review is positive about the film’s thoughtful approach to grief and its refusal to become a conventional revenge story. It singles out Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance as a particular strength. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pig-2021)
- **Empire**, Joshua Rothkopf (85/100, inferred): Rothkopf finds the film a fascinating, delicate drama and praises its quiet path toward redemption. He singles out Nicolas Cage’s unusually restrained, deeply felt performance. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/pig-2021/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Noel Murray (85/100, inferred): Murray finds “Pig” a moving, melancholy character study rather than the action thriller its premise suggests. He praises Nicolas Cage’s riveting monologues and the film’s serious, beautiful treatment of loss. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-07-15/review-pig-nicolas-cage)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (85/100, inferred): Newland finds the film deeply moving and praises its deft shift from revenge thriller to meditation on grief. She singles out Nicolas Cage’s restrained, heartbreaking performance and the screenplay’s economical storytelling. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/pig-review-nicolas-cage-is-utterly-heartbreaking-as-an-enigmatic-truffle-hunter-1156465)
- **Variety**, Michael Nordine (Critics Pick): The review praises the film as an unexpectedly touching character study and a showcase for Nicolas Cage. It singles out Cage’s earnest, melancholic performance and the film’s ability to make its unusual premise feel grounded. [Read](https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/pig-review-nicolas-cage-1235017248/)
- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (4/4/4): The review calls the film an outstanding, moving debut that defies revenge-thriller expectations. It especially praises the natural tenderness and magnetic rapport between Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/pig)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The review finds the slow-burn thriller deeply affecting and calls Cage close to magnificent. It singles out his performance as the film’s chief strength. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/pig-2021)
- **IndieWire**, Ryan Lattanzio (B): Lattanzio praises the film as a patient, soulful change of pace from Nicolas Cage’s typical revenge roles. He singles out Alex Wolff’s performance and the film’s calm, character-focused approach. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/pig-review-nicolas-cage-1234651562/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Chuck Bowen (3/4): Bowen finds the film cumulatively moving despite its excessive moroseness. He praises its subdued treatment of grief and its critique of the rarefication of food. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/pig-review-nicolas-cage-michael-sarnoski/)
- **Sight and Sound** (70/100, inferred): The critic praises the film’s audacious shift from revenge-thriller expectations to contemplative drama, though its philosophising and Cage’s deliberately minimal performance can feel excessive. The forest cinematography is singled out for its painterly quality. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/pig-follows-nicolas-cage-sniffing-out-his-porcine-companions-whereabouts)
- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (3/5): Staunton describes the film as a slow-burning drama that avoids action-packed showdowns. He praises its mournful, thought-provoking portrait of a man haunted by his past. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-ettuke/pig/)
- **The Guardian**, Benjamin Lee (3/5): The critic finds the film moving and effective, though too quiet to be truly distinctive. He praises Nicolas Cage’s unusually restrained, soulful performance. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jul/12/pig-film-review-nicolas-cage-hunts-stolen-animal)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Sheri Linden (60/100, inferred): Linden finds the film gutsy but uneven, with its mystery and screenplay failing to fully deliver. She praises Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance and the film’s quietly affecting final scene. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/pig-2-1234976667/)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (20/100, inferred): Brody finds the film painfully ordinary, criticizing its portentous symbolism and blunt, unconvincing storytelling. He says Nicolas Cage’s weary, mournful performance is the film’s sole redeeming feature, briefly lifting it into the extraordinary. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/pig-reviewed-nicolas-cage-is-the-only-reason-to-watch)
- **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (95/100, inferred): Worthington calls the film a surprising, deeply affecting achievement and one of Nicolas Cage’s best works in years. He especially praises Cage’s restrained performance and the film’s melancholy exploration of love, creativity, and commerce. [Read](https://consequence.net/2021/07/pig-review-nicolas-cage-movie/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A-): Goldberg finds Pig a melancholy, affecting drama rather than the expected revenge-driven Cage vehicle. He praises Cage’s restrained performance and Sarnoski’s expressive cinematography, especially its doorframe motif. [Read](https://collider.com/pig-review-nicolas-cage/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Jack Hawkins (90/100, inferred): The critic finds Pig existential, funny and uplifting rather than a conventional revenge story. Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance and Rob’s restaurant monologue stand out as especially brilliant. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/pig-review/)
- **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (9 out of 10): Evangelista finds the film haunting and beautiful, praising its existential meditation on loneliness. He singles out Nicolas Cage’s nuanced, soulful performance as one of the best of his career. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/582393/pig-review/)
- **Paste**, Jacob Oller (8.6/10): Oller finds Pig a compassionate, emotionally thorough drama about loss, praising its restraint and measured storytelling. He singles out Nicolas Cage’s quiet, wounded performance as especially affecting. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/nicolas-cage/pig-review)
- **Eye for Film**, Matthew Anderson (85/100, inferred): Anderson calls Pig an impressive, sincere debut and a welcome return to form for Nicolas Cage. He particularly praises Michael Sarnoski’s empathetic direction and Cage’s restrained, nuanced performance. [Read](http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/pig-2021-film-review-by-matthew-anderson)
- **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film flavorful, fascinating, and unexpectedly poignant, praising its layered storytelling and craft. Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance and the film’s evocative use of food are particular strengths. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/pig-film-review-nicolas-cage-2021/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4/5): The critic finds Pig an intimate, affecting drama rather than the action film its premise suggests. They praise Nicolas Cage’s fully realized, poignant performance and the film’s restrained warmth. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/pig-nicolas-cage-best-performance-in-years/)
- **NME**, Alex Flood (★★★★): The review calls the film a late-career peak for Cage and urges readers to seek it out. It especially praises a restaurant scene where Rob confronts a former protégé with the gulf between his ambitions and his current work. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/pig-review-nicolas-cage-3023703)
- **The Skinny**, Jamie Dunn (★★★): The review finds Pig a surprisingly sad and satirical alternative to the revenge thriller its premise suggests. It singles out Nicolas Cage’s soulful, restrained performance as especially memorable. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/pig-nicolas-cage)

## Details

- **Director:** Michael Sarnoski
- **Director:** Michael Sarnoski
- **Screenplay:** Michael Sarnoski
- **Story:** Michael Sarnoski, Vanessa Block
- **Cinematography:** Pat Scola
- **Editor:** Brett W. Bachman
- **Music:** Alexis Grapsas, Philip Klein
- **Production design:** Tyler B. Robinson
- **Costume design:** Jayme Hansen
- **Producer:** Thomas Benski, Nicolas Cage, David Carrico
- **Cast:** Nicolas Cage as Rob Feld; Alex Wolff as Amir; Adam Arkin as Darius; Nina Belforte as Charlotte; Gretchen Corbett as Mac; Dalene Young as Jezebel; Darius Pierce as Edgar; Elijah Ungvary as Scratch
- **Runtime:** 1h 32m
- **Certificate (MPA):** R
- **Release (the US):** 16 July 2021
- **Genres:** Drama, Thriller, Mystery
- **Budget:** $3 million
- **Box office:** $5 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i-_CRKdh4Y

## Where to watch in the US

Not streaming, renting or buying in the US at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, IT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PL, SE, SG, TH, UA, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *First Cow* (2019), Fi1m 85: Another Oregon film about food, friendship and what the trade does to people — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/first-cow.md)
- *Babette's Feast* (1987), Fi1m 86: One meal, cooked with everything a person has, changes a room full of strangers — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/babettes-feast.md)
- *Leave No Trace* (2018), Fi1m 88: A man in the Pacific Northwest woods who cannot come back to the city — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/leave-no-trace.md)
- *Tampopo* (1985), Fi1m 84: Japanese noodle western that takes cooking as seriously and far less sadly — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/tampopo.md)
- *Paris, Texas* (1984), Fi1m 88: A silent man walks out of the wilderness to find what he lost — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paris-texas.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/pig