Cruise & Iñárritu Struck Oil! 'Digger' (2026) | Film Review

2026 | Drama/Dark Comedy

Dir: Alejandro González Iñárritu | Screenplay: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Cast: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Sophie Wilde & Emma D’Arcy

The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove that he's humanity's saviour.

Cruise & Iñárritu Struck Oil! A Work of Pure Madness & Intrigue. SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Digger is a dysfunction, dystopian comedic meta-commentary of everything wrong with our world. An overarching commentary on the climate crisis, the development of AI and technology, the endangerment of animals, the abuse of the environment, the class system and of course, the destructive nature of those in power. ‘Digger’ is so much more than you expect it to be. Trust me when I say, you will never expect this film to take you on the journey it is. 

Tom Cruise

One of the most immersive, transformative, challenging, divisive roles of his career and yet, I believe it is one of his most impactful and convincing. Tom Cruise has always been a performer who gives every ounce of his being to his roles, whether you know him for running from the law, climbing skyscrapers or making cocktails, Tom Cruise never fails to become his character. He is an actor who lives the role and Digger Rockwell is easily his most metamorphic and groundbreaking. Do I believe he will be nominated for an Oscar, I truly hope he will. Cruise melts into the role of Digger and it was magnificent to see him take on a role this mad, this chaotic and this reckless. 

Sophie Wilde 

A performance tethered to reality, Sophie does a marvellous job of grounding the story amongst the chaotic storyline unfolding around her. Despite she role being small, I was genuinely compelling by her and moved by her more emotional moments towards the end of the film. 

Riz Ahmed

A comedic relief who delivers one of the most compelling supporting performances ever. Riz is a raw scene stealer in this film, he makes the character his own and showcases some of the most convincing, memorable and deeply impactful moments of the whole film. 

John Goodman

Another comic relief, a bold and brash caricature that embodies some of the most concerning and dystopian moments from the film. A character who is so utterly ridiculous and yet, deeply tethered to reality. 

Mise-en-Scène, Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design

Continuous shots that stretch several minutes with zero cuts and a commanding monologue. Grand set designs that immerse you completely into the universe of this film. Alejandro González Iñárritu is a filmmaker who loves to utilise his camera in every way possible, the uninterrupted long takes, the casual use of handheld camera, extreme close ups and static framing. Iñárritu places his audience with intention and within the ‘Digger’ universe the camera position and framing means everything, he only allows us to see what he wants us to see. 

Experiencing ‘Digger’ in IMAX was a full body experience, the sound rippled through my body. The intense, often jarring sounds and music was beyond immersive.  

The set design of ‘Digger’ was one of the most compelling elements for me. I was engrossed in the grand design of the world, the attention to detail, if you look at every corner of the frame you can find intention. 

A Brash Dark Comedy that will Split Audiences.

Holding up a mirror to our  society & future. Sure, the mirror may be a little distorted but the message remains the same. Where are we headed? What are the consequences of our actions. Some may argue this sentiment has been overworked in Hollywood, we are all familiar that mass wealth and power usually leads to earth shattering, century defining mistakes in society and ‘Digger’ plays with this concept. The film toys with the idea of control and power, it experiments with the extreme version of our reality and forces us to step inside a realised world of decay and chaos. 

Film Probe Conclusion

The response to this film is undeniably divided, some will walk away feeling impacted and maybe a little moved by the brash comedic approach to such a sensitive topic. Some may walk away defeated by the madness and arrogance of the characters, bewildered by the attempted comedy and left feeling underwhelmed by the films substance. Whether you’re impressed by the films style and execution or not, there is no denying how ambitious ‘Digger’ is. 

Overall, ‘Digger’ surprised me beyond my wildest dreams. I went into the film expecting one thing and was met with something utterly unexpected and wild. I was laughing with the madness, I was taken by the performances, the score and the direction. Films like this aren’t made to make money, films like this are made to send a message, to make an impression and ‘Digger’ did just that. 

Probe Points

★★★★