I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from Digger, filmmaker Alejandro Iñárritu’s latest entry, since my only reference was a couple of trailers I’d watched. Given Iñárritu’s track record and my feelings about the films I’ve seen, I still didn’t know what to expect. After experiencing the big-swinging, tour de force that is Digger, I was definitely pleasantly surprised. While Digger isn’t a flawless endeavor for Iñárritu, it’s ambitious and seemingly earnest in the messages it tries to convey. My biggest takeaway from this movie is that Digger is entertaining on one hand, but also frightening and realistically disturbing given the current state of the U.S.
As many people suspect, Digger is a farcical satire about an old Texas oil and fuel man who is set in his ways and determined to remain that way, despite the environmental implications of his company’s work. Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, a geriatric head of his family’s company that has ruled for several generations. Though he has managed to contain the problems of his company’s work, Digger begins to see his world unravel in major, life-changing ways with serious consequences for the planet as a whole. However, Digger truly believes he can talk his way out of this global crisis, and the powers-that-be in the U.S. are of no further help.
There is an additional element of this movie that I will not get into in this review. Doing so would do a disservice to anyone who wants to experience all aspects of this ambitious film. Iñárritu and his writers have crafted a movie that initially seems like an over-the-top satire, but is actually a deeper indictment of our nation and how pop culture often responds to reality. I was taken aback by so many aspects of the movie that I totally didn’t expect. I never saw Iñárritu’s hidden ace, which he reveals as he tells this story. When all of the cards are laid on the table, that is when this film becomes utterly frightening and disturbing.
I will reveal that satire is meant to be cautionary, but this movie is an urgent call to change in our country and world because we are on the verge of self-destruction and catastrophe. As disturbing as the events are, I felt a wide range of emotions because I feel we, as a world, are on the same path. I must also applaud the cast, who are all so fully invested in this story.
Yes, a lot of the acting is over-the-top, and sometimes cartoonish, as this movie is mostly farcical, but in the more serious moments, it was impressive to see how the actors switch gears. Tom Cruise definitely deserves, at least, acting nominations for his complex performance here. He completely immerses himself in this world and is clearly passionate about his performance. I also enjoyed Riz Ahmed, who portrays Digger’s chief scientist, who is through with trying to salvage his boss’s company. I also absolutely loved John Goodman, who also hams it up as U.S. President Compson, who is the fascist leader of our country. The film also features great performances by Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, and Robert John Burke.
Digger is already a divisive movie that has critics, and probably audiences, in both directions. For me, I absolutely respect this movie and love what it has to say. One comedic scene grated on me and didn’t work well, but big swings occasionally miss. I would consider it a strike one in an otherwise home run.