Alejandro G. Iñárritu's new film, Digger, arrives in theaters October 2, presenting a satirical look at environmental catastrophe and the political machinations that follow. While the film boasts exceptional performances, particularly from a prosthetically transformed Tom Cruise, its biting commentary on global warming and corporate greed ultimately falls short of its ambitious goals.
Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon played by Tom Cruise, finds himself at the center of a global crisis when an oil-drilling mishap causes a massive ice shelf to break off and head towards Europe, threatening widespread destruction and tsunamis. As the President of the United States, portrayed by John Goodman, grapples with the impending doom, Rockwell must work to mitigate the disaster and, more importantly, control the public narrative.
The film's standout element is undoubtedly Tom Cruise's performance. Shedding his action-hero persona, Cruise dons heavy prosthetics to embody the wily oil tycoon. His portrayal echoes elements of Tropic Thunder's Les Grossman, delivering a performance that is both focused and kinetic, whether he's sparring with Riz Ahmed's principled scientist or lecturing world leaders. A particular highlight is a nearly 1000-word monologue delivered in a single take, a feat of acting and filmmaking that rivals Cruise's most iconic action sequences.
This monologue, a powerful scene reminiscent of Jack Nicholson's "you can't handle the truth" speech, serves as the film's sharpest piece of satire. It effectively critiques the status quo and highlights how poor decisions by figures like Rockwell led to the environmental catastrophe. The scene showcases the combined talents of Iñárritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, blending complex blocking with dialogue-heavy long shots to create a mesmerizing display of Cruise's acting prowess.
However, Digger's broader satirical aims are less successful. The film's political commentary, while blunt, often relies on exaggerated characters and predictable plot points. Unlike Adam McKay's Don't Look Up, which used an asteroid as a metaphor for climate change inaction, Digger's approach of having leaders make profoundly stupid decisions feels less nuanced. The satire occasionally leans into cartoonish portrayals of conservative politicians and businessmen, which may alienate some viewers.
A significant thematic element is "controlling the narrative," a concept explored further by Jesse Plemons' character. His monologue, particularly in the film's final act, delves into themes of image rehabilitation through wealth, drawing parallels to the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis and their subsequent funding of the arts. This segment offers a more thought-provoking take on the film's central ideas.
Despite its script's shortcomings, Digger features impressive production design by Dennis Gassner, creating a world rich in detail and style. Riz Ahmed delivers a strong supporting performance as the voice of reason, while John Goodman shines as the embattled President Compson.
In conclusion, Digger offers moments of brilliance, primarily driven by Tom Cruise's transformative performance and a few genuinely funny exchanges. While its satire may not fundamentally alter one's perspective on global warming, the film's artistic merits and stellar cast make it a worthwhile watch on the big screen, especially for those with cinema subscription services. However, it falls short of being a must-watch, and audiences can likely wait for its release on HBO Max.