'Pig' Director Michael Sarnoski To Helm Adaptation Of Graphic Novel 'Sabrina'

Last year, few movies threw audiences for a loop like Michael Sarnoski‘s feature debut, “Pig.”  Nicolas Cage stars in the film as a reclusive truffle hunter who returns to Portland, where he was once a renowned chef, to figure out who stole his beloved foraging pig. Many expected another unhinged Cage performance, but instead, “Pig” showcases Cage at his most understated in a quiet film about grief and loss that expertly subverts its revenge set-up. And as an indie that landed on many year-end top-10 lists last December. So, consider it a launching pad for Sarnoski’s career.

READ MORE: ‘Pig’: Nic Cage Does Sad ‘John Wick’-Style Revenge As If It Were Directed By Kelly Reichardt [Review]

Now, only months after Paramount announced that Jon Krasinski handpicked him to helm an “A Quiet Space” spinoff, Sarnoski has his next directing gig lined up. “Sabrina,” based on Nick Drnaso‘s acclaimed 2018 graphic novel of the same name, follows a grieving man who goes to live with an old friend who works as an Air Force surveillance expert after his girlfriend goes missing. However, after media outlets receive a tape and Sabrina’s disappearance goes viral, the two men become targets of conspiracy theorists that threaten the bonds of their friendship. That premise sounds like Sarnoski’s territory, alright.

Sarnoski writes and directs “Sabrina” through New Regency and RT Features. The pair of production companies have teamed up before on James Gray‘s 2019 film “Ad Astra” and Robert Eggers‘ sophomore feature from the same year, “The Lighthouse.” That hopefully guarantees Sarnoski an auteurist level of control on the project.

“Sabrina” is a big catch for Sarnoski. The graphic novel became the first one ever longlisted for the prestigious Man Booker prize after its release in May 2018. The book also ended up on several best-of lists for 2018 in The New York Times, The Guardian, and NPR.

As debut features go, “Pig” is nothing short of a catapult for Sarnoski. He snagged the National Board Of Review Award for Best Directorial Debut and dozens of nominations at the Gotham Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards, and beyond. Will he capitalize on his success? “Sabrina” comes after his “A Quiet Place” film, set for release next year, so audiences will have to wait a bit to find out.