Alejandro G. Iñárritu's latest film, "Digger," starring Tom Cruise, has become one of 2026's most divisive movies, according to critics. However, one reviewer argues that the film has been unfairly maligned and is, in fact, a "Certified Fresh" triumph that offers a unique cinematic experience.
The film centers on Digger Rockwell, an oil magnate whose reckless resource extraction in Greenland causes a glacier the size of Philadelphia to break off and head towards Northern Europe, threatening an unprecedented environmental disaster. While the plot details and a significant twist are being withheld to avoid spoilers, the reviewer posits that the film's strength lies not in its narrative intricacies but in its audacious execution and thematic resonance.
The performances are highlighted as exceptional, with Riz Ahmed as environmental safety expert Dr. Nirav Ganesh and John Goodman as U.S. President Compton delivering exactly what Iñárritu intended. The film's craft is equally praised, featuring unforgettable scene transitions and a particularly transfixing monologue where Digger is confronted with his actions. The reviewer describes the movie as a blend of a Bertolt Brecht play and a Wes Anderson film, albeit one with a penchant for bold, unvarnished comedy.
"Digger" challenges conventional comedic sensibilities, often making audiences laugh at the film rather than with it. This approach, while potentially alienating to some, is seen by the critic as a deliberate artistic choice that amplifies the absurdity of the subject matter. The film elicits laughter akin to that inspired by absurd political moments or even grim documentaries, where extreme situations are presented with a stark, almost nonchalant reality.
While "Digger" may not offer novel insights into real-world issues, its unashamedly garish presentation transforms potentially preachy material into an irresistible spectacle, comparable to a high-octane WWE event. It eschews the subtle emotional manipulation of traditional prestige cinema for a more direct, even ridiculous, approach. Despite its many unconventional artistic choices, the reviewer found that these elements ultimately coalesced into a surprisingly effective and compelling film.