10 Recent Movies NOBODY Expected To Be This Good

6. Pig

Back when the first trailer dropped for the new Nicolas Cage-starring drama Pig, the Internet couldn't stop itself from collectively laughing at the apparent absurdity of a John Wick-style thriller in which Cage, with a straight face, tracks down the schmucks who kidnapped his precious truffle pig.

Except, Pig isn't that movie at all.

Despite the expectation that Pig would be another self-consciously schlocky Nic Cage joint, it actually turned out to be a quiet, somber character piece about a man's love for his pig.

The potential for unintentional comedy speaks for itself, and yet Cage's performance is so sincere, and debuting filmmaker Michael Sarnoski's script and direction so clear-eyed, that it becomes an uncommonly absorbing revenge parable.

No, there aren't any extended set-pieces where Cage's protagonist goes full ham (sorry) on a fleet of assassins - the overwhelming majority of the film is comprised of people talking, and the result is no less cinematic dynamite.

In addition to the rave reviews, ranking it among the most-acclaimed films of the year so far, Cage is even courting early awards buzz for his stunning performance. You love to see it.