Tom Cruise gets bold – and brilliant – in ‘Digger’

Tom Cruise stars as oil tycoon Digger Rockwell in Alejandro G Iñárritu's new darkly comic film, "Digger." The movie, produced by Legendary Pictures, has sparked debate among critics and audiences, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 51%. The film's surreal and hyperreal world, combined with its larger-than-life characters, may remind viewers of Iñárritu's 2015 film "Birdman," though with added theatricality.

The story follows Rockwell, whose reckless drilling leads to a global environmental catastrophe. As governments struggle to control the damage, Rockwell attempts to portray himself as a savior. Riz Ahmed and John Goodman also star, with Ahmed playing a scientist caught in the crisis and Goodman portraying a farcical President Compson.

The film tackles heavy issues such as greed, climate change, power, and humanity's need to control the uncontrollable. It demands a high level of engagement from its audience, as it presents the world as a series of beautifully surreal paintings. While some may find the satire self-indulgent and overly aware of itself, the film's performance-driven narrative and visually dreamlike aesthetic make it a compelling watch.

Cruise's transformation into Rockwell is particularly noteworthy, as he delivers a 12-minute monologue in a single take, showcasing his dedication to his craft. The film's runtime, while potentially lengthy, is essential for delivering its message about the state of the planet. Ultimately, "Digger" asks audiences to consider the world through the characters' eyes and leaves viewers pondering the issues it raises.