PopHorror Let's Get Scared
TRIGGER WARNING
This review brings up the horror of non-consensual sex. Please read with caution. Also, remember, you don’t know your own strength. You survived, and that’s something to be thankful for. Keep on keeping on.
Kevin Lewis’s Pig Hill left me wanting a bit more. Maybe I was just confused as to the really odd ways of torture. It’s not like I didn’t enjoy it. The premise just left me a bit triggered, as being someone who had their childhood ripped away. This really caused me to try to figure out the point behind this menacing serial killer; what I got was really uncomfortable situations. I know it’s supposed to be that way; however, it really turned me off a bit from the storyline.
Let’s get into the review and dissect the film for what it really is.
Synopsis
Carrie has been fascinated by the local legend of the pig people of Pig Hill, revolting creatures who breed and cause havoc in the area. As the tenth woman goes missing, Carrie can’t stop thinking that there could be more to these stories.
No Means No
I will just come right out and say it. The most unnecessary part of a film that in some people’s opinion, is a line you don’t cross. As we see more instances of children dying in films, it disturbs a lot of people who don’t find it horror, just shock value. The same could go for pets. However, I have watched a lot of horror films in my life, probably thousands. I have only seen this rape situation in a small handful of movies. I can look past most things, but rape is not one of them. Though there are films that are based on sex, it is at least consensual. Now that I am done with my rant, we can get to the good parts.
On Another Level
Pig Hill is a film that separates the veil between unwritten film codes and going too far. I am not talking Chrome Skull or Art the Clown. None of them had to rely on sex; even if there is nudity. There is no one getting raped repeatedly. But looking past this issue, the story was pretty original, while also being basic at the same time. I was waiting for the twist. I can definitely say the ending caught me by surprise; it pretty much saved the film for me. Even though we had been through the “Who is under the mask?” with other characters.
Pig Hill kind of stands alone. Not that it’s a bad thing. You could easily see the passion from everyone involved, from writers to actors, and a director with a vision. The sad part is that they didn’t have to rely on abuse to make a great film. It was already pretty great, and I could see the situation turning on a lot of viewers who are survivors.
In the End
Pig Hill is the type of movie that makes you paranoid about neighbors, or anyone, for that matter. The film shows us that you can’t even rely on family in a dangerous situation. I happened to think that the few kills we saw were worth the practical effects, which is a dying art. In my opinion, the kill scenes were great, but also a bit much for the time spent before their life was ended. It’s actually a candid look at what goes through the mind of a brutal killer, especially one who relies on sex to keep them whole.
Also, the twist makes you feel even more awkward. In the end, I did enjoy this movie. I learned pretty quickly to separate art from the artist with this film. Proceed with caution.
