When 9-year-old Babs receives a pig named Oink as a present from her grandfather, she convinces her parents to keep it under the condition that Oink follows a puppy training. But her parents are not the biggest threat to Oink...
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to watch a pig embark on a whimsical adventure while pooping just about everywhere, then Oink is the movie for you. Director Mascha Halberstad takes us on a journey into the world of stop-motion animation with this 2022 Dutch film, based on Tosca Menten's book, "The Revenge of Oink", It's a film that's both simple and strangely wild, leaving you with mixed feelings of childlike wonder and adult perplexity.
The movie introduces us to Babs, portrayed brilliantly by Hiba Ghafry, who must save a pig from becoming sausages. On the surface, it seems like a straightforward children's story with a predictable plot. But hold onto your hats because Oink takes you on a ride that's more bizarre and amusing than you might expect.
Now, if you were hoping for a movie that strikes a balance between being a heartwarming animal tale for kids and a thought-provoking experience for adults, you might need to adjust your expectations. Oink leans heavily into its childish tone, and subtlety is nowhere to be found. This film is unapologetically bonkers.
The animation and character designs are a real treat. The world of Oink is vibrant and playful, and it's easy to get caught up in the charm of it all. You can't help but root for Babs and her porcine pal, even though the story is, at its core, a bit over-the-top.
But here's where Oink pulls a surprise twist: it weaves in some mature themes like abuse, abandonment, and the complexities of family dynamics. While the film never quite loses its childish humour (yes, there are pig poop jokes aplenty), it also delves into some darker territory, making it a movie that both kids and adults can appreciate on different levels.
The character development in Oink is top-notch, and the relationships between the characters are explored in depth. Babs' journey to save her pig friend becomes a metaphor for growing up and understanding the complexities of human nature. It's a coming-of-age tale wrapped in a quirky package.
Speaking of packages, the stop-motion animation in this film is a visual delight. The attention to detail is reminiscent of the work done by Aardman, the British animation company known for classics like Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. The characters and settings are richly textured, adding a tactile quality to the film that's a joy to behold.
Now, let's talk about the elephant—or should I say, pig?—in the room. The film's central message is clear: it advocates for a vegetarian lifestyle, highlighting the negative impacts of the meat industry on our planet. In an era when the meat industry's environmental consequences are at the forefront of public discourse, Oink offers a vegetarian path forward. It suggests that loving animals can bring people together and even make vegetables look absolutely delicious.
As we all know, the conversation around the meat industry is growing, and Oink enters this dialogue through the lens of a charming tale. It's a story of a young girl, a lovable piglet, and the importance of trust within a family. It manages to deliver its message without being heavy-handed, making it accessible to a wide audience.
But let's not forget that stop-motion animation, as charming as it is, has a certain eerie quality to it. There's something inherently unsettling about inanimate objects coming to life, no matter how cute the story. Oink doesn't shy away from this aspect of stop-motion, embracing its quirks and creating a unique viewing experience.
Once the film establishes its destination early on, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Oink may seem like a simple children's movie, but it packs a punch with its blend of innocence and deeper context. It's a film that manages to be both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and it's a testament to the power of stop-motion animation in storytelling.
Oink is a delightful dive into the world of stop-motion animation. It may be a tad over-the-top and filled with pig-related humour, but beneath its surface lies a meaningful exploration of family, trust, and the importance of loving animals. So, grab your popcorn, leave your expectations at the door, and let Oink take you on a wild ride through the world of animated pigs and their unexpected adventures.
Oink is in NZ cinemas from October 19, 2023