Digger (2026)

If anyone here remembers the phenomally popular and incredibly wonderful Birdman (2014), you'll be familiar with how A. Iñárritu creates films that expand past the theatre. They feel so grand that it's like the screen swallows you whole and there's nothing left but his captivating story. Digger is like the clumsy last child of this. 

As a dedicated White Noise (2022) truther, Digger is the kind of movie I'm stuck defending forever and always. The hundred million dollar budget is a testament to the extravagant wealth displayed for Hollywood pet projects. It couldn't have worked with much less. Talent is expensive and there is plenty of talent all over this. 

Digger relies pretty heavily on its twist, so I won't spoil anything. I know, rare for one of my movie rants. 

"Digger here got us into this mess and Digger's gonna dig us out again."

The plot, as described by the trailers, is about an eccentric oil tycoon who condemns the world and struggles to save it. Over the 2 hour runtime, this plot goes in so many directions it's exhilarating to keep up with. 

The first third of this film is the weakest. The jokes are vulgar, I have no tolerance for cat mistreatment, and the twists have yet to pick up the plot. As soon as we get that first switch and zoom into the haunting expression on Tom Cruise's face, the film begins. The later sections are engaging and skilfully done. It just needed to find its footing. 

On the topic of actors, why does Tom Cruise always end up starring in films making fun of him? Funnily enough, that's actually a topic Digger (2026) brings up in the film. I won't spoil how. Sandra Hüller is in this as well and acts her ass off as usual. I really expect her to get an Oscar this year with how hard she has been going. Project Hail Mary, Rose, and now this? John Goodman is here as well with Jesse Plemons making an appearance later on.

For the soundtrack we have Cosmo Sheldrake bringing in his trademark nature sound to this film. It's very new wave. Digger really is a film just for me. Avian Elegy is my favourite track and I suggest listening to the album in full. The singles chosen for the soundtrack are incredible as well with the last track being the best one. I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for the DVD just so I can sit with that final scene again. Incredible. If you liked the sound of I Love Boosters (2026) you'll adore this. 

"If we can't control the course of nature, at least we can control the narrative."

The monologue delivered by Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell is amazing. Real energetic, bombastic, heart-stopping stuff. The way the background actors react to his movements and how the set turns into a broadway-esque stage for him to parade around on. This is where I'm most reminded of White Noise (2022) with the Hitler monologue. There are a few smaller monologues that aren't nearly as good but still hit for me. It's the unfortunate thing of films having to take an aside to explain to plot for the unintelligent. They still feel like a part of the characters even if it's the plot speaking to us. 

Overall, I gave it three out of five stars but I imagine that'll increase on a second go around. I just can't get over how rough that first third was. Seriously, I was going to walk out if they kept that fucking cat joke going. 

"It's ridiculous and it's scary. It's funny and it's stupid. It's a lot of fun to watch."