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Tom Cruise’s First Original Movie in 9 Years Is Officially the Most Divisive Movie of His Career
Tom Cruise’s new film *Digger* has prompted sharply divided early reactions, with critics variously calling it audacious and ambitious or chaotic and unenjoyable. The response marks a notable change from Cruise’s recent run of broadly popular blockbusters, as the film is his first original movie in nearly a decade.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, *Digger* stars Cruise as oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, who tries to rescue humanity from a catastrophe he caused. The film also features Riz Ahmed, John Goodman and Sandra Hüller, was shot entirely in VistaVision, and reunites Iñárritu with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki; it is due for release on 2 October. Reactions praise the cast, production design and bold ideas, but disagree over whether the film’s unusual tone and major twists succeed.
In short
- *Digger* has divided critics before its 2 October release.
- Tom Cruise’s performance has attracted both award buzz and criticism.
- The film is an ambitious, unconventional Iñárritu project.
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 Digger’s bold ideas, unusual tone and ambitious production make it a welcome change from familiar blockbusters. They may see its divided reactions as evidence that Iñárritu has taken creative risks, with the strong cast and striking visuals helping those risks pay off.
The case against
Sceptics could argue that ambition alone does not make a film engaging, and that Digger’s chaotic tone and major twists may leave viewers unconvinced. They may value a story whose style and ideas work together clearly, and regard the reported uneven reactions as a sign that this one does not.
Explained simply
Tom Cruise is an actor best known for large-scale films such as the Mission: Impossible series. After years of making sequels and other established franchises, Digger is a new story rather than a continuation of an existing film.
The film is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, whose work includes Birdman and The Revenant, and stars Cruise as an oil tycoon facing a catastrophe he helped cause. Riz Ahmed, John Goodman and Sandra Hüller are also in the cast.
The early reactions matter because they show how differently viewers may respond to the film’s unusual style and ideas. Its release is scheduled for 2 October.