Reported by 4 sources

The short version

  • Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an oil executive whose drilling practices trigger a catastrophic ice sheet collapse in Alejandro González Iñárritu's latest film.
  • Critics have described the movie as a self-congratulatory satire that fails to offer new insights into climate change or corporate greed.
  • Despite strong visual elements and performances from supporting cast members, the film has been criticized for its laborious pacing and lack of subtlety.

Alejandro González Iñárritu's latest film, 'Digger,' starring Tom Cruise as an oil tycoon named Digger Rockwell, has premiered to mixed reviews. The movie centers on Rockwell, a Texas-based executive who expands his father's wildcat oil company into a global enterprise with offshore rigs in Greenland and Alaska. As depicted by Cruise, Rockwell is portrayed as a Southern businessman-ideologue, characterized by his monogrammed private jet seats and aggressive rhetoric.

The plot thickens when a methane leak at one of Rockwell's drilling sites in Greenland threatens the stability of the island's ice sheet. A technician informs Rockwell of the danger, but he dismisses the warning, refusing to shut down a billion-dollar platform over what he perceives as a minor issue. Shortly after, the rig explodes, and a vast ice floe breaks away from the Arctic landmass, heading toward Norway.

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Critics have been divided on the film's effectiveness. Grist described 'Digger' as a mess of shrieking and spittle that offers no new insights into climate change or corporate greed. The reviewer noted that while the film attempts to construct a fable about the hubris of oil titans, it ultimately fails to escape the confines of political parable. The result is a movie that says nothing except what the viewer already knows.

The Guardian US echoed these sentiments, calling the film an exasperatingly shallow and laborious satire. The review highlighted Tom Cruise's boisterous performance, noting moments of enjoyment but criticizing the overall self-congratulatory tone. The cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki and production design by Dennis Gassner were praised for creating dreamlike and disturbing images, even if the narrative fell short.

IndieWire labeled 'Digger' a surreal misfire about collective self-delusion, suggesting that Cruise and Iñárritu almost hit rock bottom with this project. The review implied that the film's ambitious scope was not matched by its execution, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. The New York Post was even more critical, describing the movie as a laugh-free turd that would have audiences stampeding out of theaters.

Supporting performances received varying assessments. Riz Ahmed plays Ganesh, Rockwell's chief scientist, who warns him about the dangers of irresponsible drilling practices. John Goodman portrays President Compson, chairing a crisis meeting at the White House. Sandra Hüller appears as Rockwell's half-sister, though her role was noted as having little substance in the final edit. Michael Stuhlbarg plays the vice-president, a character described as bland and wasted.

The film's visual style has been a point of contention. While some critics appreciated the distorted and bulging images conjured by the cinematography, others found them distracting or overly stylized. The use of prostheses to age Cruise and give him a paunchy appearance was noted, with comparisons made to Slim Pickens's character in 'Dr. Strangelove.'

Themes of climate change and corporate responsibility are central to 'Digger,' but the film's approach has been criticized for lacking subtlety. The satire is described as heavy-handed, with Rockwell serving as a caricature of oil executives rather than a nuanced character study. This lack of depth may limit the film's impact on audiences seeking meaningful commentary on environmental issues.

Despite the negative reviews, 'Digger' has generated significant discussion due to its high-profile cast and director. The controversy surrounding the film reflects broader debates about how art should address political and social issues. Some viewers may find value in its bold visuals and ambitious scope, even if the narrative execution is flawed.

As 'Digger' continues to play in theaters, audience reactions will likely vary based on individual perspectives on climate change and satire. The film's polarizing nature ensures that it will remain a topic of conversation among critics and moviegoers alike.

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Go to the original reporting

  • Grist↗‘Digger’ is the year’s big climate movie. This climate reporter hated it.
  • The Guardian US↗Digger review – Tom Cruise’s loudmouth oil tycoon goes hard in Alejandro G Iñárritu’s eco-satire
  • IndieWire↗‘Digger’ Review: Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu Almost Hit Rock Bottom in Surreal Misfire About Our Collective Self-Delusion
  • New York Post↗‘Digger’ review: Tom Cruise’s laugh-free turd will have audiences stampeding out