It appears that Nicolas Cage’s films continue to improve annually, hinting at his latest 2021 release becoming a timeless cult favorite. Throughout Hollywood history, Cage’s career has been captivatingly diverse, with roots tracing back to the ’80s when he was still in his late teens and early 20s, making appearances in smaller movies. By the 1990s, he had catapulted into stardom as a global action hero, starring in iconic films such as “The Rock,” “Face/Off,” and “Con-Air.” However, Cage’s career took a different turn in the 2000s.
Following a stretch of producing numerous DTV movies and critically panned low-budget films, his reputation among movie enthusiasts started to dwindle. However, this trend reversed in the 2010s as Cage started to accept more intriguing roles. Although many of these roles were in DTV and low-budget productions, they provided him with the opportunity to exercise creative freedom and feature in unusual and impactful films. This is exemplified by his 2021 release, “Pig“, a flop at the box office but boasting all the elements needed to become his next cherished cult classic since it became available on streaming platforms.
Pig Is The Perfect Kind Of Cult Classic
Nicolas Cage Subverts Fans’ Expectations With Pig
In a nod to Nicolas Cage’s cult film repertoire, the movie appears to be shaping up as such. However, it’s crucial for viewers to remember that this film may not align with expectations based on the trailer. In the story, Nicholas Cage portrays Robin “Rob” Feld, a truffle farmer who lives in isolation and shares his life with his cherished truffle-sniffing pig. He sells his truffles to Amir (Alex Wolff), but not much is disclosed about Rob until one fateful day when two strangers attack him and kidnap his beloved pet. Driven by this loss, Rob embarks on a quest to find his stolen companion.
The whole scenario bears a striking resemblance to the movie “John Wick”. Similar to John Wick and character Rob, both have suffered the loss of their wives, and they prefer solitude with their cherished animals as their main companions in retirement. Tragically, someone steals their pets, causing them to take action. However, unlike John Wick who embarked on a brutal quest for revenge against all those responsible for his dog’s death, Rob embarks on a more introspective journey. Although “Pig” contains violent scenes, it’s important to note that Rob is someone who can kill with words rather than guns.
In simpler terms, Rob was previously a chef instead of being a former assassin. The climax in the movie John Wick featured intense gunfights and a gruesome fight scene with the father of the culprit’s dad. On the other hand, the ending of Pig also involves a confrontation with the father of the guilty party, but it’s not a physical battle; instead, it’s a meal prepared by Rob that leaves everyone, including him, in deep reflection. This scene makes viewers question everything they saw throughout the film. John Wick is a high-octane action movie, while Pig is a contemplative film that is poised to become a cult classic.
Nicolas Cage Is Already A Cult Classic King
Longlegs, The Surfer, Dream Scenario, & More Prove His Cult Status
Nicolas Cage has honed his skills in cult favorites, and with the passage of time, his films have grown more captivating. A film slated for release in 2025, titled “The Surfer“, shares a similar premise with “Pig“. This movie revolves around a father-son relationship, where a man yearns for peace. However, unlike previous encounters, the antagonists mock and harass him in front of his son, pushing him to the limit. Interestingly, the trailers suggest that he may resort to violence, but this is probably why “The Surfer” has garnered a high 86% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience members have given it a lower score of 46%.
In much the same way that Pig has been predicted to gain cult status upon its release on streaming platforms, it seems likely that The Surfer will follow suit. Over the past few years, Nicolas Cage’s filmography has been filled with intriguing and unconventional films. For instance, Longlegs is a horror thriller where Cage scarcely appears on screen. Dream Scenario delves into the complexities of celebrity for those who shun it. Renfield offers Cage an opportunity to showcase his passion for Bela Lugosi. Willy’s Wonderland provides a unique twist on Five Nights At Freddy’s.
In one of his most renowned and successful cult favorites, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, the protagonist portrays Nick Cage, a fictitious character based on himself, who finds himself in a life-or-death situation alongside a wealthy South American businessman played by Pedro Pascal, an ardent Nick Cage devotee. The film playfully engages the audience and offers Cage the chance to poke fun at his public image, making it one of the top picks in its genre. Through these films, Cage has managed to help fans forget some of his most significant letdowns, such as The Wicker Man.
Why Pig Wasn’t A Big Hit Upon Release
Pig Is Not The Action Movie The Trailers Teased
There were two main factors that prevented “Pig” from being a box office success when it initially premiered in cinemas. Firstly, Nicolas Cage’s films are not universally appreciated yet, with many still linking him to low-budget direct-to-video releases. Secondly, the initial audience responses following viewings of “Pig” were generally negative. Despite receiving overwhelming critical acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 97% fresh rating from critics and an 83% audience score, it seems that some viewers who saw it early left the theater feeling underwhelmed.
As a cinephile, I must confess that I, too, went into “Pig” under the impression it would be another adrenaline-fueled action flick like “John Wick.” Boy, was I mistaken! If you’re expecting Nicolas Cage to unleash a rampage of violence against those who took his precious truffle pig, well, you’re in for quite a surprise. There are indeed instances of intense violence, but they’re merely fragments within the larger narrative.
In truth, “Pig” is less about fists flying and more about a man seeking answers to life’s mysteries. Cage spends more time engaging in thoughtful dialogues than he does throwing punches. The film offers a profound exploration of themes like depression and isolation that resonate deeply, making it a compelling watch.
Pig has the potential to endure as a cult classic due to its unique storytelling, even though initially perceived as an action film featuring Nicolas Cage searching for his pig. As viewers moved past this initial premise, they recognized the film’s depth and brilliance. The audience response indicates a strong following, yet not everyone appreciates Cage’s dialogue over fighting or the food-centric ending that mirrors tragic and depressing themes.
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2025-05-31 18:49