(EUFF) Film Review #69: OINK [Screened on 21 May 2023]
European Film Festival 2023
Film Review #69 [Netherlands]: Oink
*This film review may contain plot spoilers, reader discretion is advised.*
Oink has the intentions at the right spot, beginning with a flashback about an adolescent’s grandad wanting to exert revenge as he loses a sausage-making competition. It explores the relationship humans share with fauna and how we dictate the outcome of how we would like to mend our mistakes.
The plot revolves simply around having a pig as a pet. Initially, it does not receive a warm welcome by Bab's parents; not only is it not a norm to have a pig for a pet, but this pig is particularly mischievous compared to other pets.
However, the grandad has other intentions of wanting to raise the pig... This terrifying (if you're an animal lover) uncertainty of the fate of the pig makes for a really fascinating watch, especially as we observe the gentle display of power dynamics within a household.
In terms of animation style, the stop-motion stood out because of the attention to detail on the textures of each and every character; they were vibrant and added an almost tactile quality to the visuals. This, along with carefully curated ambience, specific unique hairstyles and beautifully expressive faces, my attention was captured right from the start.
Notably, it is the first ever stop-motion to be made in Netherlands, premiering at the Berlinale’s Generation section. The film has such a gentle and palatable tone but brings depth through the multi-dimensional Babs, who easily places her trust in people around her, but is thrown for a loop because of her parents' coldness to the pig, and the ulterior motives of her grandad.
The narrative reflects our society's understanding of how relationships gravitate towards the idea of believing in the goodness of others and allowing others to realise their potential. One touching encounter that revealed this to me was that despite the pig not being able to pick up skills that the pet dogs could, Babs didn’t stop believing in it.
As such, the underlying sweetness of the film is definitely bound to resonate or even convince viewers to be kinder to our animal companions, and possibly stop consuming animal products.
About the Author: Deepag is highly interested in adding films with innovative voices and historical significance to his Letterboxd watchlist.
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This review was written as part of a series of reviews by SFS writers for European Film Festival 2023.
For more films and info on EUFF 2023, visit the official website: https://www.euff.com.sg/
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About European Film Festival 2023:
The European Film Festival (EUFF) is an annual event that showcases a curated selection of European films. The films showcased in this festival may belong to a specific country, but they are all representative of Europe’s shared cultural heritage. EUFF is a window into the intriguing world of European cinema and also offers a platform to young Singaporean film-makers.
More info on
OINK:
https://www.euff.com.sg/film/netherlands/oink
About the Movie:
GENRE: Family
DIRECTOR: Mascha Halberstad
CAST: Kees Prins, Hiba Ghafry, Jelka van Houten, Henry van Loon, Matsen Montsma, Loes Luca, Johnny Kraaijkamp, Alex Klaasen, Remko Vrijdag
PG | 2022 | Dutch w/English subtitles| 70 minutes
SYNOPSIS:
Babs is an almost nine-year-old girl who is having a perfectly ordinary summer holiday until her grandfather, whom she’s never met before, arrives from America. He wins Babs’s heart by getting her a piglet for her birthday, and she calls him Oink. However, when Tijn, Babs’s best friend, becomes increasingly suspicious of Grandpa Tuitjes’s big suitcase, he finds a meat-mincing machine and starts to doubt Grandpa’s true intentions. The story takes a turn when Babs’ mother reveals Grandpa Tuitjes’s past and with the help of her family, Babs manages to save Oink from getting minced in the meat-mincing machine just in time. This heartwarming stop-motion animation tale about a child and her pet serves as a charming romp that investigates animal welfare, the meat industry and familial bonds, all while daring to ask the ultimate question: can a pig actually be housebroken?
HONOURS:
Oink premiered on the 72nd edition of the Berlin Film Festival (2022) and won three Golden Calves for Best Feature Film, Best Director and Best production Design at the Netherlands Film Festival (2022).
This review was written as part of a series of reviews by SFS writers for European Film Festival 2023.
For more films and info on EUFF 2023, visit the official website:
https://www.euff.com.sg/
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