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‘Digger’ First Reactions Split Over Tom Cruise’s ‘Baffling,’ ‘Unpleasant’ and ‘Brave’ New Movie: ‘The Divide on This Is Going to Be Wide’
Tom Cruise’s new film “Digger”, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, has received sharply divided early reactions from film journalists. Some praised its ambition, visual style and Cruise’s performance, while others called it confusing, unpleasant or unsuccessful, suggesting the satirical black comedy may struggle to appeal to mainstream audiences despite possible awards interest.
Cruise plays wealthy tycoon Digger Rockwell, who attempts to save the world after an oil-rig disaster causes a global environmental catastrophe. The supporting cast includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons; the film marks Cruise’s return to adult drama after years dominated by action roles. Attention has also focused on his prosthetic-heavy transformation, which reportedly took six hours initially before being reduced to one hour, ahead of the film’s 1 October cinema release.
In short
- Early critics are sharply split over the film’s ambition and execution.
- Cruise returns to dramatic cinema after a decade of action roles.
- “Digger” reaches cinemas on 1 October.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that the film’s bold visual style, satirical premise and Cruise’s transformed performance show a willingness to take artistic risks and move beyond familiar blockbuster roles. Its challenging tone may be a deliberate choice, and its environmental subject could make the discomfort purposeful rather than a flaw.
The case against
Sceptics could argue that ambition and striking imagery do not compensate if the story feels confusing or the humour unpleasant, leaving audiences unsure what the film wants to say. A deliberately abrasive approach may narrow its appeal, and the early criticism raises a reasonable question about whether its satire succeeds on its own terms.
Explained simply
Tom Cruise is best known in recent years for action films, but his new role is in a satirical black comedy directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon whose efforts to respond to an environmental disaster form the story’s starting point.
The film also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons. Its unusual subject and Cruise’s extensive prosthetic make-up have drawn attention, while its mix of satire and environmental catastrophe may shape how audiences respond when it reaches cinemas.