Digger has the movie community divided, and it’s easy to see why, but you’re going to have to read this to see where I stand.
The film takes a big swing, and usually that means it’s going to be a hit or a miss. It’s bold and goes in directions you’d never see coming. It’s hard to talk about the story choices without spoilers, and I don’t want to spoil this for anyone. The best I can say is, Digger needs to be experienced, not just watched.
The more I think about the movie, the more I see how divisive it might be. It’s satire with a twist, and that twist might make you love the film, or it might leave you scratching your head. There’s so much that this film has to say, especially with everything going on in the world, and I think it’s a truth that might make people uncomfortable.
I, for one, absolutely loved Digger. I think it’s a smart film that doesn’t try to hide its themes. It’s honest about what it wants to say, and it says it in a way that’s actually really funny. I found myself laughing a lot, but at the same time, I could resonate with the message, even if it’s a little scary. There are some parts of the movie that didn’t work for me, but I’ll get to that at the end.
Tom Cruise really transformed into someone else, and I don’t just mean with all the makeup on. He delivers what I can only describe as one of his best performances yet. I loved 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 movie. Riz Ahmed delivers another stellar performance, while Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons truly shine in the little screen time that they have. An actor can only be as good as the director and story allow them to be.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu directed, co-wrote, and co-produced this film, and he took big risks on all fronts. I love the script and the flow of the story. I do think some characters might have needed a little more screen time, but the story still balances the plot with the performances beautifully. I love the aesthetic of the film and the choices Alejandro G. Iñárritu made as director.
The story only works because of the production design and the director. The film really pops off the screen, and it all comes down to how beautiful it looks. I watched it in IMAX, so I got to experience the film a little better.
Now, for what didn’t work for me. The film has a certain storyline that I feel was a little unnecessary, even though it does pay off at the end. I feel that the story could’ve worked without it. In fact, I think the film might have benefited from not having it. I do, however, understand why the director chose to keep it.
Digger might not be for everyone, but those who like it will absolutely love it. I definitely loved it more than I expected to. It’s unhinged, outlandish, and weird in all the best ways. It’s a film made for cinema, and we don’t get a lot of this anymore. It’s easily a 4 out of 5 star film for me.
