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Digger Splits Critics With Tom Cruise’s Dark Satirical Turn
Digger is a movie about a very rich oil tycoon played by Tom Cruise.
The tycoon causes a huge environmental disaster and then tries to look like a hero.
It is a dark comedy, not an action movie.
Some critics liked Cruise’s performance and the film’s bold style.
Others thought it was confusing, smug or too uneven.
Some say the story works better after it reveals more of its plan.
The movie was shot in a special large-format style and is available in IMAX.
Its reported budget and review scores vary, and the article says final opening numbers were not confirmed.
It may suit people who enjoy unusual satire, but not people looking for Cruise stunts and chases.
Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon whose actions cause an environmental catastrophe.
Alejandro González Iñárritu directed the dark satire, which moves between farce and surrealism.
Critics are divided, with praise for Cruise’s performance and the film’s ambition alongside complaints about its tone and clarity.
The film was shot entirely in VistaVision and released in standard cinemas and IMAX.
Reported budgets and critic scores vary; the article says final opening-weekend figures were not confirmed.
- Who
- Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell; Alejandro González Iñárritu directed the film.
- What
- Digger is a dark satire about an oil tycoon whose actions trigger an environmental catastrophe.
- Where
- It was filmed in the United Kingdom and released in cinemas, including IMAX.
- When
- It arrived in cinemas on October 2, 2026.
- Why
- The film’s story follows Digger as he tries to prove he is humanity’s savior after causing a disaster.
Supporters
Critics
Cruise’s performance
Supporters
Some critics praised Cruise’s committed, nuanced performance and said he proves he can lead a film without action or stunts.
Critics
Others felt his loud, showy performance and extended takes were excessive or mainly demonstrated his ability to perform at full volume.
The film’s style
Supporters
Supporters admired the ambition, visual scale and unusual mix of satire, farce and surrealism, with some saying the film improves after its structure becomes clear.
Critics
Detractors called it smug, confusing, tonally scattered and too convinced of its own cleverness; some found the early scenes tested their patience.
Audience appeal
Supporters
Viewers drawn to dark satire, Iñárritu’s earlier work or Cruise taking a risk may find it worthwhile, particularly on a large screen.
Critics
Those seeking Cruise action scenes or a consistent tone may be disappointed; some critics doubted mainstream audiences would embrace it.
Key facts
- Cinema release
- October 2, 2026
- Director
- Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Lead role
- Tom Cruise plays Texas oil tycoon Digger Rockwell.
- Genre and tone
- Dark satire that shifts between farce and surrealism.
- Filming format
- Shot entirely in VistaVision.
- Reported critic score
- Rotten Tomatoes figures cited in the article ranged from 41% to 53%.
- Reported budget
- Estimates varied, from $120 million or $130 million to $160 million–$180 million; no single figure was confirmed.
- Box office status
- The article said final opening numbers were not confirmed; it reported £16.5 million earned in the United Kingdom so far.
Sources
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