Breaking Boundaries: The Rise of Death…

Have you seen Pig yet? If not, it’s definitely worth your time.

This 2021 film features Nicolas Cage in one of his most compelling roles to date (and yes, I am counting Longlegs, Dream Scenario, Renfield, and his quick cameo as Superman in The Flash). Cage portrays Rob, a former chef who has chosen a solitary life in a cabin in the woods, sharing his days with a truffle-hunting pig. Preferring the tranquility of the Pacific Northwest to a Michelin-starred existence in Portland, Rob’s peaceful life is shattered when thieves break in and steal his pig, prompting him to embark on a journey of revenge through the very world he once left behind.

At first glance, this premise might seem like a culinary spin on John Wick. However, director Sarnoski crafts a rich mythology that rivals the depth of a criminal underworld, as Rob navigates the seedy side of the restaurant business. His character even finds himself in a fight club specifically for chefs. But rather than opting for typical action sequences, Sarnoski allows Rob to express himself through dialogue—sometimes suffering brutal beatings as he articulates the value of what truly matters in life.

Throughout his quest, Rob is joined by Amir (Alex Wolff), an up-and-coming supplier of organic produce who usually delivers truffles to local eateries. However, in Pig, Rob needs a lift from the outskirts of Oregon to the city, leading Amir along for a ride reminiscent of Collateral. Each stop along their journey opens Amir’s eyes to the stark realities of his trade, and Rob’s poignant reflections on life’s joys tug at Amir’s conscience. (For Rob, that joy centers around his cherished pig.) Could Pig also fit within the framework of Kojima’s genre?

While Cage is often both praised and mocked for his unique acting style, in Pig, he delivers a remarkably subdued and steady performance. Early on, his rugged visage takes a beating, and as his blood stains the stark white tablecloths, so too does the weight of his trauma. His vulnerability shines through. While Keanu Reeves showcases gun-fu in John Wick, Cage engages in philosophical battles in Pig. (And yes, if you want to see Cage wielding a firearm against aliens, he’s done that, too.)

Recently, when A24 announced plans for a Death Stranding movie, Kojima emphasized his desire for the adaptation of his expansive, futuristic game to feel both intimate and alive. While there’s potential for a generic blockbuster approach, enlisting Sarnoski (who also directed the highly regarded A Quiet Place: Day One and the upcoming The Death of Robin Hood with Hugh Jackman) suggests a deliberate effort to avoid that pitfall.

Will Death Stranding: The Movie find success with mainstream audiences? Considering how Pig has soared to become Netflix’s fourth most popular movie at the time