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It’s a credit to the power of cinema that 2021’s “Pig” had me getting teary-eyed over a reclusive man and his love for his pet pig. But that’s exactly what this wild mystery thriller did. If you’ve yet to watch this ludicrous, but highly acclaimed, movie, then you really need to get to it, because after 12 months on the streaming service, it’s about to be removed from Netflix.
On Tuesday, May 26, this acclaimed (and award-winning) Nicholas Cage movie will be waving goodbye to the world’s biggest streamer. Sadly, the removal of old favorites is one downside of Netflix constantly adding new movies to its library. Still, there’s plenty of time left for you to get acquainted with Cage’s untamed forager and his prized pet sow.
“Pig” might sound silly on paper, but this intense, and often melancholic movie from director Michael Sarnoski (who is rumored to be in the frame for helming the sequel to "Alien: Romulus"), is anything but a joke. It’s a wild trip that will have you hooked, and maybe getting a bit emotional.
What is ‘Pig’ about?
Rob (Nicolas Cage) was once a Big City chef, but gave up that stressful life to enjoy a peaceful existence, working as a reclusive truffle-forager in the Oregon wilderness. Aside from occasional contact with a young supplier (Alex Wolff) who buys his product, his only company is his prized pig. And this hog has become basically a member of his family.
So, when the pig, who has a knack for sniffing (snouting?) out the very best truffles, is stolen in the middle of the night, Rob will stop at nothing to reclaim an animal that he sees not just as property, but a genuine pal. However, unraveling the mystery of who took his pig forces him to make contact with ghosts from his past and confront his own ingrained trauma.
Even when faced with his past demons, Rob’s desire to be reunited with his pig never wavers, proving that the bond between man and animal can be just as strong as blood.
Stream ‘Pig’ on Netflix while you still can
In a post-“John Wick” world, there have been plenty of revenge-fueled movies about characters on the warpath, and from a quick reading of its plot, you’d be forgiven for thinking “Pig” falls into the “Wick”-like category. But I’ll warn you up front, this isn’t that kind of thriller movie.
Cage’s Rob doesn’t run around Portland beating up bad guys and interrogating anybody who might have information about his pig. Instead, this is a reflective tale. In fact, the draw isn’t merely the hunt for the stolen animal. Instead, each new location visited peels back another layer of Rob’s traumatic past and further explains why he now lives off the grid.
Nicolas Cage has fully earned his much heralded redemption arc. The star of numerous flops and direct-to-DVD shlock in the 2000s and 2010s, he’s now one of Hollywood’s most exciting leading actors, constantly taking on unique, interesting and risky projects. “Pig” is yet more proof that Cage really does have a sharp eye for an exciting, out-of-the-box project.
In this movie, he gives one of the best performances of his career. Playing a wounded soul who has found solace living away from civilization. Rob is a richly written character, and Cage plays him beautifully. The big emotional scene later in the movie sees Cage really firing on all cylinders.
Even with the slower, more considered pacing, “Pig” won’t bore you. Cage is spectacular, Sarnoski’s direction is understated, vulnerable and befitting of the movie’s overall meditative tone, and most of all, you really will want to see Rob and his pet pig reunited before the credits roll.
You don’t just have to take my word that “Pig” is a movie worth putting right at the top of your Netflix watchlist, either. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an impressive 97% score, and viewers were no less impressed, rating it 83%. I find the former particularly impressive because, with its slower pace and somber tone, this movie could alienate some.
Hopefully, my pitch has convinced you to make time to stream “Pig” before it's removed from Netflix in less than two weeks. But if you want to know what new movies are hitting the streaming service to replace it, here’s a guide to everything arriving on Netflix in May 2026.
Watch "Pig" on Netflix until May 26
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