Digger Review: Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Audacious Satire Gets Buried Beneath Its Own Cleverness

Movie Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, stars Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Sandra Huller. The film is set in theaters and has received a rating of ***. The storyline initially appears to be an ecological disaster drama, focusing on oil tycoon Digger Rockwell and the consequences of his actions.

However, the narrative quickly shifts, revealing a theatrical exercise where actors rehearse a play about fossil-fuel greed, environmental collapse, and the arrogance of those who think wealth can control nature.

The twist in the plot is intriguing, particularly as Iñárritu seems to be satirizing the prevalent political satire today. The fictional play is intentionally over-the-top, with characters more prone to declaiming than conversing. Yet, the film spends so much time within this loud theatrical environment that the critique starts to look like a defense of the very excesses it intends to expose.

Despite the film's clever construction, the tonal shifts make it challenging to differentiate between what's genuine and what's part of the joke. The screenplay takes risks, and the frequent tonal changes keep viewers on their toes. Beneath the theatrical absurdity, there's a serious question about the responsibility of artists when dealing with reality, especially when the world becomes increasingly difficult to parody.

Tom Cruise delivers a lively performance, oscillating between swagger, theatricality, and glimpses of vulnerability, revealing a deeper character underneath the role. Riz Ahmed provides a more restrained performance, often offering the much-needed comic relief. Jesse Plemons and Michael Stuhlbarg contribute texture to the narrative, while Sandra Hüller has limited screen time and opportunities.

The film's visual style is lavish, embracing the artificiality of its theatrical world, and Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography distinguishes between the stage-bound gloom and the more vibrant spaces outside.

However, the film's technical ambition sometimes overshadows its emotional depth. While the film cleverly acknowledges the absurdity of modern satire, it occasionally becomes so engrossed in its own elaborate theatrical puzzle that it neglects the people at its core. Overall, Digger is an audacious, beautifully executed film whose ideas are more compelling than the actual viewing experience.