Serial killers will always be a curiosity for many of us. It takes us to the edge of society, and we are able to witness the most heinous acts of depravity from the safety of our armchairs. And although Netflix has a good stronghold on qualitative serial killer documentaries, Pig Killer chooses to go with the "based on a true story" moniker and run with it.
When we first meet Pickton, he's already well-established in his routine. There's very little insight into his beginnings, except for brief flashbacks of him having rather passionate sex with his own mother (played by the legendary Ginger Lynn). This is probably the most unsubtle way to suggest that Pickton himself was born out of depravity and humiliation. In fact, when Pickton picks up his first victim Brenda (Bai Ling), he asks her to call him "Piggy". This could possibly be the handle that he was bullied by since many had also commented on his farm-like body odour.
The "Brenda incident" as we shall call it, is probably the best insight into Pickton's misogynistic rage. And her murder is only the beginning, as we're then treated to some necrophilia, dismemberment, and disposal - all under the watchful eye of Balthazar, his muscle-bound hog.
What is rather odd (I found) is the tongue-in-cheek approach taken to the proceedings. Pickton isn't painted as the embodiment of evil as such, but rather a misguided pervert who happens to kill women. And there are subtle (and not so subtle) attempts at dark humour strewn about the place. This does give the movie an entertainment factor, well, before you have to slap yourself on the wrist and remind yourself that you shouldn't be enjoying such sleaze at all.
Overall, Pig Killer is more enjoyable than I would like to admit. Jake Busey does his dad proud with his own shade of mentally deranged and if you're a hardened horror movie fan, Pig Killer is a real treat.
