“Pig Hill,” the latest feature from “Willy’s Wonderland” director Kevin Lewis arrived on Digital and Video on Demand this week. The film draws inspiration from the Meadville, Pennsylvania, urban legend involving the mysterious disappearances of local women and the supposed “pig people” believed to be responsible.
Written by Jarrod Burris and based on the Nancy William novel, “Pig,” the chilling horror centers on Carrie (Rainey Qualley, “Ocean’s Eight”), a young, ambitious author investigating the decade-long disappearances of local women. Hoping to make a name for herself, she seeks to uncover the truth and either prove or disprove the existence of the infamous pig people.
While “Pig Hill” opens with a jarringly violent encounter between a parked couple and a pig-faced killer on the titular hill—the pig people’s supposed origin—this isn’t a setup for 90 minutes of serial killer swine gore. Instead, the scene functions as a catalyst, quickly driving Carrie’s investigation forward, much to the dismay of her overbearing brother, Chris (Shiloh Fernandez, “Evil Dead”).
In its first hour, the film spends most of its time introducing us to the people of Meadville and delving into the stories behind Pig Hill. Along the way, Carrie teams up with boomerang resident Andy (Shane West, “A Walk To Remember”), who, after leaving Meadville and making it rich in the stock market, undergoes several tragic life events that find him back at the home of his ailing parents.
That’s not to say horrific things don’t happen in that hour. In fact, the disturbing nature of “Pig Hill” is felt throughout and doesn’t let up until the very end. It is critical to note that the film’s disturbing nature is unrelenting and may be genuinely triggering for some viewers. The film contains a strong and explicit portrayal of rape, sexual abuse, child abuse, abortion, bestiality, self-harm, and even incest.
If you can get through the film’s more shocking moments, the strength of the story and cast proves engaging enough to sustain the mystery. The cinematography is a particular high point. As the plot unfolds, viewers will naturally try to pinpoint suspects, and the third act delivers an explosive, albeit equally uncomfortable, twist that pays off the build-up.
Despite enjoying “Pig Hill,” by the final credits, I felt so dirty it was as though I had been wallowing in the mud alongside the film’s namesake. This is not a horror film for everyone. However, if you’re prepared for an unflinching, exploitative viewing experience—or are familiar with the novel’s dark themes—then this brutal, high-concept horror is certainly worth checking out.
