A film that dares to experiment is not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s not all perfect, but it has the audacity. Yeah, we are talking about the much-anticipated film this year: Digger. Tom Cruise-starrer features brilliant artists like Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman and Jessie Plemons, among others. It’s a social satire and dark comedy about an oil tycoon, Digger Rockwell, and how his negligence triggers the biggest natural disaster. Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñárritu brings this satirical world to us. It’s not your usual film; it demands patience, but it’s definitely worth the time. Read our review to understand it better.
Plot
Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) is an American oil tycoon. He is a selfish, narcissistic, apathetic and manipulative man whose love is only reserved for his dying cat. Digger’s oil drilling operations in Greenland cause a massive glacier catastrophe affecting Europe, and later Alaska. The film follows the aftermath of this disaster with important meetings where “decisions” are made, Digger’s monologue to manipulate the truth and pose as the humanity saviour, and attempts at damage control. The film is a satire of this raging issue along with a twist that comes a little sooner than you’d expect.
Storytelling
Digger instantly manages to capture your attention with its unique setting and the protagonist played by the transformed Tom Cruise. It drives straight to the conflict, and there’s no going back. The smart writing is felt when Dr Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), a scientist and chief advisor at Digger’s company, enters the chat. The back-and-forth between these two characters delivers a hard-hitting conversation around the lack of accountability from people in power, and the price that is paid by commoners. The forthright, look-into-the-eye conversation around natural calamities caused by humans is the need of the hour, and there is no better time to make this messaging happen than NOW!
I particularly had a blast watching some scenes in the film, and kudos to the brilliant dialogue writing for that. My interest grew deeper when the first “important” conference takes place to discuss the damage control. A bunch of clueless men stuff themselves in a room to make a decision that involves the fate of millions. The self-aware comedy in this scene is bound to make you cackle. The film takes multiple digs in this sequence, including the lack of female representation in higher positions (We’re a fan). Digger’s monologue is interestingly shot, and the impact is perfectly delivered.
However, the film’s twist comes way too early in the narrative, shattering the one shocking surprise we would have preferred towards the end. The impact of this would have been felt strongly if the makers reserved this for when it was least expected. The story also slows down here and there, stretched with loosely stitched characters and subplots; in these moments, I felt disconnected.
Sandra Hüller feels underutilised in the film. Her story doesn’t fully come together in the narrative. It left me wondering if the story would have felt any different in her character’s absence.
Performances
Tom Cruise steals the show. The actor transforms himself into a man who is so distinct from the characters that have previously left a lasting impression on us. It reminds me of a line from the film, “You really get Digger”; well, he really does understand this character inside out. The acting speaks for itself. The performance is a brilliant balance of perfect comic timing, top-notch dialogue delivery, and body language. Tom Cruise’s Digger is here to stay with us.
Riz Ahmed as Dr Ganesh is a pleasant surprise in the film. The actor is absolutely phenomenal in this role, as if it were just meant for him! He establishes a very organic on-screen chemistry with Tom Cruise, and the duo creates some really memorable sequences in the film.
John Goodman as the American President Compson is absolutely hilarious. The actor’s performance heavily relies on his facial expressions, and I am still in awe of how he effortlessly delivers them. Sandra Hüller has a magnetic on-screen presence. Give her any character, and she will make sure to turn it into something iconic! Digger is carried by impressive performances.
Verdict
Digger takes a razor-sharp and satirical viewpoint on an issue that demands our immediate attention. It diverts our focus to climate change and disasters that are products of greed and power. The hyper-realism and impressive performances hit hard. Digger makes this experience funny, interesting, and immersive with the conversation. It’s not all perfect. The film slows down and becomes too dialogue-heavy at times, and it easily disconnects in these moments. However, this Tom Cruise film is audacious and deserves a watch!