Review of Disco Pigs (2001) by Bannan I — 14 Jun 2008

There was just something about this story that was brought to my attention.

Darren aka Pig [Murphy] and Sinead aka Runt [Cassidy] are two of a kind, born on the same day in the same hospital...just several minutes apart. Since birth they become friends, first by reaching their tiny baby hands through the cradle bars to comfort each other and then 16 years old they do the same.

They almost seem to know what they other is thinking, just because of that very reason and because of this are nearly almost always together...in some way. Completely disregarding what society says, they rebel in various mischievous sometimes even malicious ways. 'Pig and Runt - against the world.'.

Their idealistic world seems to shift when 17 days before their 17th birthday when Pig develops feelings for his other half and becomes jealous of anyone invading their private little world.

Their parents agree that their relationship is unhealthy and learn that although Pig can't be helped, Runt has a chance to be 'fixed'. They cart her off to some kind of special school while Pig slowly travels further into himself and their world not knowing what to do with the loss of her.

Finally, his mother informs him of where to find her and he sets off desperately in need of finding her for their 17th birthday to find that palace where they can be King and Queen. As he travels various roads to reach her, he becomes steadily more violent spreading his anxiousness through destruction and pain wherever he goes.

Then, when he finds her and they run off together to celebrate their birthday...Pig has a plan and Runt follows if not with a bit if apprehension. The events of their joint-birthday steadily grow more and more out of hand and that connection begins to waiver.

Cillian Murphy once again puts on a brilliant performance as Pig who grows wild with each passing moment without his Runt. Elaine Cassidy also puts on a rather convincing performance of his other half. Seeing that the film is centred on solely these two...they definitely capture your attention with the strang ways they spend their time together and the things which they do for fun and enjoyment.

It seems to be this dark, almost morbid version of a childhood that progresses slowly into adult-hood in a twist of emotions and events that show us what kind of people these two are.