Greetings again from the darkness. There will likely be a very distinct line of demarcation between those who ‘dig’ DIGGER and those who don’t. Director Alejandro Inarritu, who won Oscars for THE REVENANT (2015) and BIRDMAN (THE UNEXPTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE, 2014) and a list of five esteemed writers (Sabina Berman, Jez Butterworth, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giacobone, Inarritu) seemingly crafted a film that looks amazing, while intentionally angering or annoying or confusing a big chunk of movie goers. Not only will those who prefer traditional storytelling be frustrated, the politics involved will surely irritate many (and drive some nasty comments).
The studio has requested that no spoilers or hints be included in reviews, so I will tread extremely lightly here. An added reason is that the film is certainly best viewed ‘cold’ or with no preconceptions. If you’ve seen the video, you know immediately that this is a much different Tom Cruise character than the strutting, cocky, too-cool-for-school Ethan Hunt that he’s portrayed in numerous “Mission: Impossible” films. It’s his best non-action role since MAGNOLIA (1999), and also his most exuberant (some will say over-the-top). Under prosthetics that transform him into a man that looks his actual age, Cruise becomes Digger Rockwell, a man of enormous wealth, influence, and ego. Cruise has a couple of extended single takes, one of which is mesmerizing in the sheer amount of dialogue he recites and the physicality he displays.
As you would expect, many actors jump at the chance to work on an Inarritu film, and here the cast includes Oscar winner Riz Ahmed as Dr. Ganesh, John Goodman as President Compson, Michael Stuhlbarg as the Vice President, Sandra Huller (one of my 3 favorite actresses since TONI ERDMAN, 2016), Robert John Burke as Fitzgerald, and Jesse Plemons as Kenny. Ahmed is excellent in his role, while Goodman makes his mark with world class bellowing. Huller’s smaller role is a bit disappointing, but fortunately she has a starring role in Pawel Pawlikowski’s new film, FATHERLAND.
Even beyond the studio restrictions, I’m at a bit of a loss as how best to review this film. It’s likely meant to be satire as it takes on big issues like contemporary politics, global issues, ecological concerns, and socio-economic fallout. My view is that it’s a blend of Kubrick’s classic DOCTOR STRANGELOVE and some Coen Brothers films (minus the hilarity), topped off with editorial commentary on backroom politics and corporate greed. Controlling the narrative is a clear objective of these characters. The film takes one huge change of direction early on, and then another much later … the second being easier to foresee. These shifts will definitely challenge viewers, while also leaning into the creativity noted by those of us who find things to admire about the film.
Inarritu’s team is as superb as expected. Three-time Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki expertly handles the VistaVision cinematography, while Oscar winner Dennis Gassner awes us with Production Design. As an added bonus, the song playing over the closing credits is the excellent (and quite fitting) “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma” by Melanie. But then, not everyone will stick around that long.
Opens in theaters on October 2, 2026
Amazing reviews as always. “Digger” is definitely one of my most anticipated movies of the year that I am excited to see soon. Despite the mixed critical reception the film has received, I have a feeling that I will enjoy it. I have always been a huge fan of Tom Cruise and adore all his movies. He is truly an iconic movie-star in a league of his own. It’s definitely interesting to see you mention this is his best role since “Magnolia”. I absolutely adore “Magnolia”, which has always been my favourite movie Cruise has made. He truly poured his heart and soul into that movie, proving that he is more than just Ethan Hunt. So, I’m quite excited to see him in a non-action role after so many years of “Mission: Impossible”. Even with the negative reviews, I will definitely check out “Digger” in theatres.
Here are my personal thoughts on “Magnolia”:
I’m not sure everyone (or even most) agree with you and me on the greatness of MAGNOLIA, but I’ll watch it anytime.
Good review.