#SUNDANCE: “PIGGY”

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer/Director Carlota Pereda’s daring Feature debut is a twisted revenge against bullies tale.

In a small Spanish town, teenager Sara (Laura Galán) spends her summer days working at her parents’ butcher shop. The days are anything but fun, as the teenagers in the town incessantly bully her. Going so far as calling her family the “Three Little Pigs”. When a serial killer arrives in their town and takes a liking to Sara, she has a choice to make: side with the maniac who’s tormenting her bullies, or save them.

Piggy is a cautionary tale for bullies everywhere and doubles as a revenge fantasy for those who have been bullied. Pereda dives us into this world and immediately makes us side with Sara. We feel her pain from the very first spiteful remark laid upon her. In achieving this, Pereda has placed us in Sara’s position. Making us become conflicted as to what Sara will…and should do.

The emotional journey we go on with Sara works thanks to Galán’s fierce performance. She captivates at every turn with each thought conveyed through her eyes. She shows the confusion Sara feels about this sadistic killer and her bullies.

Overall, Piggy is a daring and rare film with a strong lead performance and a story with an impactful message. As a genre film is doesn’t disappoint.

Piggy screens virtually at Sundance:
Premiere: Jan. 24 at 11PM EST

Second Screening: Jan. 26 at 10AM EST (available for 24hrs)