Digger – Review

Digger has divided the film community, and it is easy to see why.

The film takes big risks, and usually that means it is either going to be a hit or a failure. It is bold and goes in directions you would never see coming. It is difficult to talk about the story choices without giving the whole story away, and I do not want to spoil it for anyone. The best I can say is that Digger needs to be experienced, not just watched.

The more I think about the film, the more I realise how divisive it can be. It is a satire that takes unexpected turns. These twists are what will make you love the film, or they could leave you scratching your head. This film has so much to say, especially with everything happening in the world right now, and I think it is a truth that can make people uncomfortable.

What worked

I absolutely loved Digger. I think it is a clever film that does not try to hide its themes. It is honest about what it wants to say, and it says it in a way that is actually very funny. I laughed many times, but at the same time, I could take the message to heart, even if it is a little frightening. There are parts of the film that did not work for me, but I will get to that.

Tom Cruise has truly transformed himself into someone else, and I do not just mean with all the makeup. He delivers what I can only describe as one of his best performances yet. I enjoyed every second he was on screen, and his co-stars brought out the best in him.

John Goodman was phenomenal and probably one of the best parts of the film. Riz Ahmed delivers another excellent performance, while Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons truly shine in the little screen time they have. An actor can only be as good as the director and story allow him or her to be.

Good and bad choices

Alejandro G. Iñárritu directed, co-wrote and co-produced this film, and he took big risks on all fronts. I love the screenplay and the flow of the story. I do feel that some characters could have used a little more screen time, but the story still balances the intrigue and performances beautifully. I love the aesthetics of the film and the choices Alejandro G. Iñárritu made as a director.

The story only works because of the production design and the director. The film truly jumps off the screen, and it all comes down to how beautiful it looks.

Now, for what did not work for me. The film has a certain storyline that I feel was a little unnecessary, even though it ultimately pays off. I feel the film could have worked without it. In fact, I think the film could have benefited from not including it. However, I understand why the director chose to keep it.

Digger may not be for everyone, but those who like it are going to absolutely love it. I certainly enjoyed it more than I expected to. It is unrestrained, excessive and strange in all the best ways. It is a film made for the cinema, and we do not get many of these anymore. For me, it is easily a 4 out of 5-star film.