The short version
- Tom Cruise stars in 'Digger,' a film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu about a climate disaster cover-up.
- The movie opened to just $20 million globally against a budget of at least $125 million.
- Critics are sharply divided, with some praising its bold vision and others finding it unwatchable.
Tom Cruise's latest film, 'Digger,' has emerged as one of the most divisive movies of 2026. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for 'Birdman' and 'The Revenant,' the film features a nearly unrecognizable performance by Cruise. Despite high expectations given the director's pedigree and the star power involved, the movie has struggled both critically and commercially. It is on track to be one of the biggest box office bombs of the year.
The plot centers on Digger, a character who wakes up to find his cat dying and soon discovers an explosion at his company's drilling operation in Greenland. This incident dislodges an ice shelf nicknamed Judy, setting it on a collision course with Norway. Digger conspires with U.S. President Compson, played by John Goodman, to keep the disaster secret, hoping the ice might melt in the Atlantic. The premise has drawn comparisons to 'Dr. Strangelove,' though reviewers note significant differences in tone and execution.
Financially, 'Digger' has performed poorly. It earned only $20 million globally during its opening weekend, a stark contrast to its reported budget of $125 million or more. This makes it Tom Cruise's lowest opening in 19 years. The financial failure raises questions about the viability of high-budget, auteur-driven projects in today's market, especially when they fail to resonate with general audiences.
Critical reception has been sharply polarized. Some reviewers have championed the film as a misunderstood masterpiece, praising Iñárritu's bold creative swings and the savagely moving finale. They argue that the film deliberately challenges viewers, pushing boundaries of patience before delivering a powerful conclusion. These critics see 'Digger' as a work of absurdist theater rather than traditional satire or dark comedy.
Conversely, other critics and audiences have found the film practically unwatchable. The excesses and unconventional style have irritated many, leading to negative reviews and poor word-of-mouth. The divide suggests that Iñárritu's vision is not universally appealing, even among those who typically appreciate his work. The film's reception highlights the risks associated with experimental storytelling in mainstream cinema.
The project has an interesting development history. Iñárritu conceived the character of Digger shortly after finishing 'The Revenant.' Initially, it was being developed at Netflix with Leonardo DiCaprio as a potential star. However, Netflix opted to make 'Don't Look Up' with DiCaprio instead. Cruise, a longtime fan of Iñárritu, then came on board, bringing his own star power and resources to the project.
Despite the financial losses, some industry observers believe 'Digger' could still find an audience over time. Its polarizing nature may generate ongoing discussion and interest, potentially leading to a cult following. The film's themes of climate change and political conspiracy are relevant and timely, which could sustain its relevance in cultural conversations.
The casting of John Goodman as President Compson adds another layer of intrigue. His performance has been noted for its subtlety and depth, providing a counterpoint to Cruise's frenetic energy. The dynamic between the two characters is central to the film's narrative, driving the tension and conflict throughout the story.
As 'Digger' continues to play in theaters, it remains to be seen whether its box office performance will improve or if it will remain a footnote in Cruise's career. The film's legacy may ultimately depend on how it is perceived in retrospect, particularly as discussions around climate change and political accountability continue to evolve.
In summary, 'Digger' represents a bold but risky endeavor from Iñárritu and Cruise. While it has failed to achieve commercial success, its artistic merits are still debated. The film serves as a case study in the challenges of balancing creative ambition with audience expectations in modern Hollywood.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- Ars Technica↗Review: Fine, let's talk about Digger
- Deadline↗Box Office: 'Digger' Tom Cruise's Lowest Opening in 19 Years, 'Verity' No. 1
- Awards Daily↗Digger is Almost a Great Movie. Almost.
- The New York Times↗He Made the Year’s Most Divisive Movie. That’s the Point.
