The new oil‑tycoon satire starring Cruise earns zero stars, gets an R rating and opens on October 2, with Iñárritu’s direction under fire.
Tom Cruise steps into a prosthetic‑clad oil baron role for the first time since the mid‑90s, and the result looks as shaky as a drilling rig in a storm.
A Premise That Never Takes Off
The film pitches a Texas magnate who ignores a warning about a melting Arctic ice shelf, insisting on pumping crude until a massive chunk breaks away and heads toward Europe. The premise, meant to riff on climate denial, lands flat from the opening minutes. Critics note that the satire feels forced, with the script offering no genuine punchlines or believable moments.
Cruise’s character, Digger Rockwell, is presented as a larger‑than‑life figure, yet the performance comes across as a cartoonish sidekick who monopolises screen time without depth. Even the director, Alejandro González Iñárritu – a two‑time Oscar winner for Best Director – seems unable to translate his usual gravitas into this tongue‑in‑cheek disaster.
The supporting cast, which includes Riz Ahmed as a scientist, John Goodman as a brash president, and Sandra Hüller as the half‑sister, receives little room to shine. Reviewers point out that their talent is wasted as the narrative orbits around Cruise’s over‑styled central figure.
Tone, Dialogue and Visuals Miss the Mark
Audiences are greeted with a barrage of shouted Southern accents and a sea of grayscale extras that blend together like a ghostly crowd. The colour palette feels washed‑out, adding to the sluggish pacing that critics describe as a “glacially paced tedium parade.”
One line from a character asks, “What is this?! Is it funny? Is it supposed to be satire?” – a moment that points to the film’s identity crisis. The joke‑laden script also drifts into oddball discussions, such as a mid‑flight debate on tuna sushi ethics, which fails to land any laughs.
John Goodman’s turn as President Compson provides the only bright spot, delivering a brash line about northern Europe’s fate. Still, even his energy can’t rescue the film from its self‑indulgent core.
What This Means for the Box Office
Warner Bros. Has asked reviewers to keep the film’s twist under wraps, but the consensus is clear: the movie struggles to justify its prestige‑film packaging. With a zero‑star rating from a major outlet, the opening weekend could see a steep drop, especially as audiences eye other releases slated for early October.
The film’s R rating, due to pervasive language, limits its younger demographic, while the lack of genuine humor or tension may deter even die‑hard Cruise fans. If the buzz remains negative, the movie could become a cautionary tale about mismatched star power and auteur ambition.
The clock is ticking toward the October 2 release. Whether the negative press will keep fans at home or spark a curiosity‑driven turnout remains to be seen.
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