Dead Pigs Poster

Dead Pigs 2018

★ 6.871 votes122 min📅 2018-01-19

Dead Pigs (2018), directed by Cathy Yan, weaves together the lives of five strangers caught in a surreal crisis when thousands of bloated carcasses drift down the Yangtze River toward Shanghai.

Director: Cathy Yan

Cast

Vivian Wu
Vivian Wu
Candy Wang
Yang Haoyu
Yang Haoyu
Old Wang
Li Meng
Li Meng
Xia Xia
Mason Lee
Mason Lee
Wang Zhen
David Rysdahl
David Rysdahl
Sean Landry
Zazie Beetz
Zazie Beetz
Angie
Archibald C. McColl IV
Archibald C. McColl IV
Phil Johnson
Wang Zhipeng
Wang Zhipeng
Waiter
Zhang Zhihong
Zhang Zhihong
Contractor
Wang Hongxiang
Wang Hongxiang
Countryman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dead Pigs (2018) about?

Dead Pigs follows a motley crew of Shanghai residents whose lives intertwine when thousands of dead pigs drift down the Yangtze River. As the city grapples with the bizarre crisis, each character confronts their own struggles—from financial ruin to personal reinvention—amidst the chaos.

Who directed Dead Pigs?

Cathy Yan, an acclaimed filmmaker and writer, directed Dead Pigs, marking her feature debut with a sharp, genre-blending vision.

Who stars in Dead Pigs?

The film features Vivian Wu, Yang Haoyu, Mason Lee, David Rysdahl, and Zazie Beetz in standout roles that drive the story's darkly comedic heart.

Is Dead Pigs (2018) worth watching?

With its unique premise and strong performances—especially from Zazie Beetz and Vivian Wu—Dead Pigs is a standout comedy-drama. While its tone may polarize, its timely themes and Cathy Yan's bold direction make it a compelling watch for fans of offbeat cinema.

How long is Dead Pigs?

Dead Pigs runs for 122 minutes, or just over two hours, delivering a brisk yet layered narrative.

🎥 Trailer

Dead Pigs (2018): A Dark Comedy About Fate and Disaster — Full Movie Info

Dead Pigs (2018), directed by Cathy Yan, weaves together the lives of five strangers caught in a surreal crisis when thousands of bloated carcasses drift down the Yangtze River toward Shanghai. Vivian Wu plays a jaded heiress seeking escape, while Mason Lee brings dry humor as an expat architect navigating cultural dissonance. The ensemble cast—including Yang Haoyu as a struggling busboy and Zazie Beetz as a sharp-tongued salon owner—collides against a backdrop of urban decay and ecological collapse in this darkly comic drama. Yan blends sharp social satire with offbeat humor, exploring themes of class, environmental neglect, and the absurdity of modern life. The film's chaotic energy mirrors the river's murky currents, making for an unforgettable, genre-defying experience.

With its eclectic characters and biting wit, Dead Pigs (2018) stands out as a bold debut from Cathy Yan, offering a fresh take on urban storytelling. The movie's atmospheric tension—between desperation and dark comedy—keeps viewers hooked, even as it leaves them questioning the world it reflects. Whether you're drawn to its indie charm or its sharp social commentary, this film lingers long after the credits roll.