Director – Dixie Gers
Starring – Dixie Gers (Crazy Fat Ethel, Preexisting Conditions), Cameron Scott (Nightblade, Blood Moon River), and Sarah Ramsey (Crazy Fat Ethel)
Release Date – 2019
Rating – 4/5
I’m making my return to horror after spending the last four days watching some Jess Franco sleaze that was sent my way from Severin and Blue Underground. I have a few movies from Vinegar Syndrome and Wild Eye that I need to review but I decided to go with a short that was recently sent my way from first time director Dixie Gers. The indie actress turned director starred and directed in her first shirt titled Piggy. She announced pre-orders for the film so I jumped on it and she was kind enough to send a link over for me to review so I wouldn’t have to wait on my copy of the film to arrive. Thanks Dixie!
**spoiler Alert**The film follows plus sized bartender Lillie (Gers) who is often ridiculed and the butt of everyone’s jokes. One of the patrons of the bar she works at starts showing her interest and she reluctantly goes out with him. Things go well and the two hook up. The following day he ignores her at the bar and when she confronts him about it he starts calling her a pig along with his goons. Heartbroken, she flees the bar and goes home and later receives a text from him apologizing. He was only acting that way because he was with his friends. Fed up with how she is always treated by men she invites him over with revenge on her mind.**spoiler Alert**
I had seen Dixie’s posts about the film for sometime now and I’ve always been curious about the project. I knew it was going to be a project that is very personal to her but I didn’t realize it would be a film that would speak for some of my personal experiences as well. In fact, I can see this film hitting hard with several people.
The acting in this one is great. Gers’ does a phenomenal job as the film’s lead. Her character is very down to Earth and the personality is absolutely perfect for the story. The supporting cast is entertaining as well. They work for the film but Gers is obviously the focal point of the film.
The story for this one works for the film’s running time. It has a lot of heart and passion behind it but it also works for a short horror film. The topic behind the film is something, I’m sure, that Gers is passionate about. As a bigger guy I’ve been through similar situations as her character in the film so I know exactly how crushing that feels. However, the horror elements are still there as well. I could see this film expanded upon and turned into a feature length film in the same vain as I Spit on Your Grave.
Finally, the film has one death scene but it works for the film. We don’t get to really enjoy it like we would in most horror films but for this flick it works. There is plenty of blood but those looking for practical effects will be disappointed. Overall, Piggy is a well shot short that has a great story. There is so much that could be don’t with the Lillie/Piggy character so I hope that it is expanded upon in the future. This is one short that I highly suggest you check out.
