‘Digger’ Review: Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu Almost Hit Rock Bottom in Surreal Misfire About Our Collective Self-Delusion

A new critical assessment of "Digger," the latest film from acclaimed director Alejandro González Iñárritu, suggests a significant departure from his previous works, though not necessarily a successful one. The review describes the movie as a surreal misfire, a collaboration that nearly reaches "rock bottom" despite the involvement of star Tom Cruise. The film is characterized as an exploration of collective self-delusion, a theme that permeates its narrative and artistic choices.

While the film is labeled a comedy, the review indicates it possesses a tragic undercurrent, resonating more profoundly than Iñárritu's earlier features, "Birdman" and "Bardo." This comparison suggests that "Digger" attempts to tackle weighty themes through a darkly humorous lens, a stylistic approach that, according to the critic, falls short of its ambitious goals. The director's continued engagement with postmodernist sensibilities is noted as a potential area of concern, with the review implying a need for Iñárritu to move beyond this stylistic framework.

The collaboration between Iñárritu and Cruise, two prominent figures in contemporary cinema, is a notable aspect of "Digger." The film's critical reception points to a challenging viewing experience, one that is both ambitious in its thematic scope and flawed in its execution. The surreal elements and the exploration of self-delusion contribute to a complex and perhaps disorienting cinematic landscape, leaving audiences and critics alike to grapple with its intended meaning and artistic merit. The film's ultimate impact is framed as a near-failure, a testament to the risks taken by its creators.