Warner Bros. Pictures has released the trailer for their latest film, “Digger,” featuring a high-profile cast including Tom Cruise, John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie aspires to combine elements of satire, yet falls short in execution.
Cruise takes on the role of Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon transformed by extensive prosthetic makeup. Digger Rockwell, portrayed as nearly unrecognizable, is deeply attached to his wealth and his peculiar pet, a severely ill mechanical cat named Maggie. The character’s stubborn streak leads him to ignore warnings about the potential dangers of drilling operations in Greenland. This risky decision sets the stage for a calamitous event.
An initially minor issue at the drilling site escalates rapidly into a major catastrophe. A fissure leads to a massive explosion, resulting in an ice shelf fragmenting and traveling toward Europe. The scenario presents a dire environmental and geopolitical crisis, entertaining the prospect of devastating tsunamis and wide-scale flooding affecting millions.
The film’s storyline positions Rockwell as central to this emerging turmoil. President Compson, played by John Goodman, scrambles to manage the unfolding disaster, joined by an eager evangelical council who gathers at Rockwell’s lavish estate. Despite the physics-defying drama, the film struggles to balance humor and satire effectively.
While Cruise’s performance echoes elements of his past roles, such as Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder” and Frank T.J. Mackey in “Magnolia,” he, like the rest of the esteemed cast, delivers a performance that lacks depth and diversity. The script does not afford meaningful engagement, resulting in predominantly loud and chaotic portrayals.
Goodman’s character draws parallels to figures like Donald Trump, but lacks the complexity often attributed to such public figures. Sandra Hüller’s role as Rockwell’s half-sister Emma is similarly limited. Her character primarily serves as a vocal critic of the environmental effects of Rockwell’s ventures, despite benefiting financially from them. Riz Ahmed, as a soft-spoken scientist, offers a performance with some emotional nuance and stands out amid the one-dimensional characterizations.
Having previously directed “Birdman,” Iñárritu attempts to make bold narrative leaps with “Digger,” yet the film struggles to capture audiences with purposeful satire. Comparisons with classic satires like “Dr. Strangelove” or even recent attempts like “Don’t Look Up” highlight the film’s weaknesses where humor is overshadowed by heavy-handed messaging.
The visual and auditory craftsmanship behind “Digger” remains notable. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki delivers stunning images, complemented by Cosmo Sheldrake’s atmospheric musical compositions. However, these elements are insufficient to elevate the film beyond its narrative flaws.
The Verdict
Despite talent and effort from both Cruise and Iñárritu, “Digger” ultimately fails to deliver on its promise as a satire. Audiences might prefer revisiting other classics like “Dr. Strangelove” or “Birdman.” The film is poorly positioned in its awards season contention and is a significant letdown.
Rated: R for pervasive language.
Running Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes.
Availability: In theatres now.
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