Tom Cruise’s latest film, Digger, has opened to sharply divided reactions from critics following its world premiere. The black comedy, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, follows Digger Rockwell, a grotesque oil tycoon played by Cruise in heavy prosthetics, whose actions trigger an ecological disaster. The film’s $125 million budget and Cruise’s dramatic transformation have drawn significant attention, though reviews range from praise for its audacity to criticism for its perceived self-indulgence.
Critics split over film’s boldness and execution
Reviews for Digger have varied widely since its premiere. Brian Viner of the Daily Mail awarded the film four stars, calling it "bold and often brilliant film-making" and highlighting Cruise’s performance alongside supporting actors like Sandra Hüller and Jesse Plemons. Viner wrote that he enjoyed the film more on a second viewing, acknowledging its initial confusion but praising its ambition and technical execution, including an animatronic cat central to the plot.
In contrast, Robbie Collin of The Telegraph described Digger as "the most bonkers film of the year", framing it as a chaotic satire that pushes boundaries without fully cohering. Meanwhile, Nicholas Barber of the BBC gave the film four stars but noted its excesses, writing that while some elements—such as Cruise’s over-the-top performance—were entertaining, the film’s length and intensity could be draining for viewers.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s climate satire earns mixed reactions
Critics have framed Digger as a climate change satire that blends elements of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove with the absurdist style of Bertolt Brecht. The film’s premise—centering on an oil tycoon whose drilling causes a methane leak and subsequent ice shelf collapse—has been described as both a daring allegory for environmental collapse and a messy, tonally inconsistent experiment. Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times called it a "messy climate satire that occasionally strikes gold", praising its audacity while questioning its emotional resonance.
The film’s opening scene, in which Cruise’s character Digger Rockwell coos to his dying cat while lounging in a bed soaked with cat urine, has been cited as both a bold character introduction and an example of the film’s unsettling grotesquerie. Some reviewers noted that Cruise’s transformation—physically and vocally—into the grotesque tycoon marks a departure from his usual action-hero roles, with one critic calling it "the culmination of all his skills."
Premiere draws attention for its bizarre reception
The film’s world premiere at the Royal Film Performance reportedly left some attendees perplexed, with reports that audience members were briefly prevented from leaving the cinema until the Prince and Princess of Wales had departed. This detail has fueled discussions about whether the film’s divisiveness was intentional, with some suggesting it may have been a performance art stunt rather than a traditional narrative film.
The film’s title, Digger, refers both to the protagonist’s profession and the act of excavation, symbolizing the extraction of resources that leads to ecological ruin. Critics have debated whether the film’s satirical intent lands effectively or if its excesses obscure its message. Some have praised its environmental themes, while others argue it relies too heavily on shock value without delivering a coherent critique.
Box office expectations remain uncertain
While the film’s budget and star power suggest high expectations, the polarizing reviews raise questions about its commercial viability. The film’s release comes amid a broader conversation about climate change in cinema, with some critics questioning whether audiences are ready for such a bleak and unflinching satire.
The film’s legacy may hinge on whether its boldness is seen as visionary or self-indulgent, with early reactions suggesting it will be remembered as one of the most divisive films of the year—if not Cruise’s career.