The recently released trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Digger” showcases a film starring Tom Cruise, John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons under the direction of Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Although the anticipation for a great satire was high, “Digger” falls short in delivering humor and innovation.
Tom Cruise takes on the role of Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon wealthy but with some odd traits, including a chronically ill robotic-like cat named Maggie. Rockwell is warned about potential disasters at his drilling site in Greenland but refuses to heed the advice, leading to catastrophic consequences. A minor crack explodes, causing an ice shelf to break off, threatening Europe with massive flooding.
As President Compson, played by John Goodman, races to manage the disaster, the character seems to draw on elements of Donald Trump but lacks depth. Sandra Hüller’s role as Emma, Rockwell’s half-sister, is underwhelming. Her screen time primarily involves complaints about the environmental impact, even though Rockwell funds her non-profit organization.
Riz Ahmed portrays a scientist trying to warn about drilling repercussions. His is the only performance offering depth among an overall flat cast. Iñárritu aims for bold storytelling as in his past works, like the acclaimed “Birdman,” but “Digger” lacks humor and engagement.
The comparison to Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” sets high expectations. However, “Digger” aligns more with films like “Don’t Look Up,” focusing more on its message than on delivering laughs. The visuals by Emmanuel Lubezki and the score by Cosmo Sheldrake are commendable but can’t save the film’s shortcomings.
Verdict: Despite efforts by Cruise and Iñárritu, “Digger” struggles to meet the standards expected from them. For audiences looking for satire with substance, revisiting classics like “Dr. Strangelove” or “Birdman” might be more satisfying. This film proves to be a significant miss in the awards season.
Rating: ★★ – Recommended to skip.
“Digger” carries an R rating for its language and has a run time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It is now playing in theaters.