Pig

Rob Feld, a solitary truffle hunter living off the grid in Oregon, shares his life with a prized foraging pig. When the animal is stolen, Rob heads into Portland to locate the thief and bring his companion home. On the way, he moves through a city that feels both intimate and dangerous, trading favors in kitchens, markets, and backstreets. He forms an uneasy connection with Amir, a young man who helps him navigate the shadowy side of the food world. The story centers on Rob's restrained routines, the weight of isolation, and the raw bond with an animal that senses him without words. The film keeps revelations small and rewards patient viewing too.

Directed by Michael Sarnoski with Vanessa Block as screenwriter and producer, Pig originates from an original screenplay rather than adaptation. It marks Sarnoski's feature directing debut, bringing a measured, intimate lens to Rob's world and his unusual pursuit and atmosphere.

Pig grossed roughly 4.64 million worldwide on a modest 3 million budget, a respectable indie return that underscored the film's niche appeal and Nicolas Cage's restrained, nuanced performance rather than broad mass appeal. Its performance underlined a selective, indie prestige.

Critics applauded Pig for its quiet mood and unusual focus on a man and his animal, avoiding typical thriller tropes. Cage's understated performance drew particular praise as a study in grief and resolve, while the film sparked conversations about authenticity in indie cinema and the value of restraint for audiences.

Reception highlights the film's spare, character driven approach and its meditation on loss and connection. Critics celebrate the way the story treats silence as a language, how restraint intensifies emotion, and Cage's performance as a blend of menace and tenderness. It offers a reminder that meaning endures in stubborn bonds.