Early screenings of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new film have left critics cheering the star’s performance while questioning the movie’s chaotic ambition.
The buzz around Alejandro González Iñárritu’s upcoming picture Digger has already cracked open a debate. The film, starring Tom Cruise as a self‑styled saviour, will arrive in cinemas on 2 October, but the first handful of critics who saw a private cut are far from agreeing on its merit.
Cruise’s role as Digger Rockwell – a mogul racing against a disaster of his own making – has drawn particular praise. One reviewer called the performance "a brilliant, boldly invigorated tour de force" and suggested it may be the actor’s strongest work since his turn in Magnolia. Another noted that Cruise brings a rare complexity to a character that could have easily become a caricature.
The supporting cast, however, is not being ignored. Riz Ahmed, John Goodman and Sophie Wilde have all been singled out as highlights, with Ahmed’s presence described as a bright spot in an otherwise uneven ensemble. Even the production design and sound work have earned compliments, with several critics calling the visual package "lavish" and "inventive".
Where the applause stops is the film’s narrative ambition. Iñárritu, known for his daring storytelling, has apparently layered a satirical farce with a darker, almost nihilistic undercurrent. Some reviewers feel the satire never lands, calling it "far from a home run" and labeling the whole effort a "mess" despite its grand scale. One critic summed it up as a "high‑concept, split‑narrative" that leans too heavily on flamboyant set pieces, leaving the story’s emotional core thin.
The divide is stark enough that the film could become a litmus test for Cruise’s star power. If audiences side with the positive camp, the movie might reinforce his comeback momentum after a series of mixed box‑office outings. If the negative camp prevails, it could signal a misstep for both the actor and the director, whose recent work has been praised for precision rather than chaos.
Beyond the performances, the film’s tone swings between over‑the‑top comedy and a somber warning about humanity’s trajectory. One analyst described the shift as moving "from an over‑the‑top comedy of gigantic satirical proportions to a meta, somber commentary on the bleak state of the world". The result, according to that same voice, is a "hollow misfire" that fails to fully engage.
What’s clear is that Digger will arrive with a built‑in conversation starter. Whether the chatter leans toward admiration or criticism, the movie’s release will likely become a talking point on opening weekend, especially on social platforms where fans are already dissecting the trailer’s visual flair.
For now, the only certainty is the date. Audiences will have to decide for themselves whether Iñárritu’s audacious gamble pays off, or if the film ends up as another polarising entry in the careers of two of cinema’s biggest names.
Release date: 2 October 2026
Cast highlights: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sophie Wilde, Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy.
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu.
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