{
  "id": 9214045,
  "title": "‘Digger’ First Reactions: Tom Cruise’s New Movie Is ‘Ambitious, Messy and Strange’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/digger-first-reactions-tom-cruises-new-movie-is-ambitious-messy-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T22:48:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/digger-first-reactions-mixed-tom-cruise/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tom Cruise's latest film, \"Digger,\" has been receiving mixed reactions from critics following its first press screenings. While some praise Cruise's performance and the pairing with director Alejandro Iñárritu, others find the film ambitious, messy and strange. Scott Menzel described the experience as \"engaging and one of a kind,\" while Clayton Davis called it \"incredibly divisive.\" Despite its flaws, the production design and cinematography are praised, with Sophie Wilde's performance standing out. However, some critics, like Mike Ryan and Joey Magidson, express frustration with the film's plot choices and overall execution. The film is set to release in the U.S. on October 2.",
  "summary": "\"Cruise really does have a knack for comedy, and while not all the jokes land, he fully commits to his performances and the material,\" one critic writes The post ‘Digger’ First Reactions: Tom Cruise’s New Movie Is ‘Ambitious, Messy and Strange’ appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Tom Cruise's 'Digger' receives mixed reactions from critics.",
    "Film described as ambitious, messy, and strange by some.",
    "Production design and cinematography praised, Sophie Wilde's performance notable."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IndieWire",
        "title": "‘Digger’ First Reactions Divide Critics: ‘Audacious,’ ‘Hollow Misfire,’ and ‘Massive Swing’ with Tom Cruise’s ‘Best Performance’ in Years",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/digger-first-reactions-divide-critics-audacious-hollow-misfire-and",
        "published": "2026-09-22T21:33:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "‘Digger’ First Reactions Split Over Tom Cruise’s ‘Baffling,’ ‘Unpleasant’ and ‘Brave’ New Movie: ‘The Divide on This Is Going to Be Wide’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/digger-first-reactions-split-over-tom-cruises-baffling-unpleasant-and",
        "published": "2026-09-22T21:35:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}