Based on her 2018 short of the same name, writer/director Carlotta Pereda crafts an emotionally callous commentary on body shaming, bullying, and vengeance in her feature debut Piggy. The Spanish thriller follows Sara (Laura Galán, Unknown Origins) a teenager who’s larger figure makes her a target for incessant bullying by a clique of cool girls. One summer day while at the community pool the girls steal Sara’s clothes after nearly drowning her. On the long walk home she witnesses something that will change her life forever. 

Galán is excellent in the lead role. There is a rawness to her performance, making her emotional turmoil radioactive. Many people don’t realize the suffering and detachment many children feel growing up with a bigger body type and the constant anxieties that loom over every interaction, fearing people will see you as fat before they see you as a person. Galán’s brilliant performance makes that isolation so palpable. Sara is bullied not only by her peers, but her family as well. Her mother ridicules her every action, never empathizing with her pain, so Sarah fills that void with secret snack cakes. Being in dire need of affection, she questions her morals when shown compassion from an untrustworthy source. Though her actions may seem questionable at times, they are understandable. 

In comparison with the dark subject matter, much of the film is shot so delicately. Cinematographer Rita Noriega (The Ministry of Time) treats the scenes that showcase Sara’s body with such softness and care, staying close as to not just see her physicality but her soul. Noriega showcases Sara’s fragility in an honest and tender way. In tense moments, the shots linger, keeping the viewer in an uncomfortable panic. Much of the film’s aesthetic choices are reminiscent of classic horror films like Carrie and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. 

Pereda raises many interesting points during the film’s 90 minute runtime, some more fleshed out than others. There is a blunt focus on the derogatory comments made towards Sara and how it affects the way she views herself, but the psychology of what creates this kind of behavior feels overlooked. The lull of the second act still could have been put to better use investigating further how it takes a particular kind of hatred to enjoy inflicting abuse. You could say, though, that Pereda puts that in the audience’s hands, enticing viewers to question the extent of karmic revenge. Do her bullies deserve to be punished for their years of ridicule? If so, what would be suitable for years of psychological torment? And who gets to decide? 

Piggy is a strangely cathartic experience. Pereda suggests viewers must absolve those who have hurt them in order to be set free from emotional burdens. She has a uniquely definitive vision and I am excited to see what she does next. The tension in the film will get your heart racing, unprepared for what is to come.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference -2 | What does this mean?