Tom Cruise Might Finally Win That Oscar for 'Digger' | Review

Published Sep 29, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

Just what exactly is Digger? That’s a complicated question, as Alejandro González Iñárritu’s highly-anticipated movie, to some extent, defies definition. The Best Director-winning art house icon teamed up with Mr. Blockbuster himself, Tom Cruise, to craft a movie that turns the star into an aging, pot-bellied oil baron who prances around his mansion in a ten-gallon hat, caring for his dying cat. It’s about as far from Ethan Hunt as you can get, and it's perhaps because of that fact that so many movie fans have been eagerly anticipating this performance.

Many theories about what actually goes on within the movie have circulated around social media, and while we won’t spoil that for you here, it’s safe to say this is a film that thrives on defying expectations. It also happens to be Cruise’s best work in years.

What is ‘Digger’ About?

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The Top Gun star plays Digger Rockwell, a foul-mouthed, eccentric Southern oil baron who is one of the most powerful men in the world. His influence means he has the ear of the President (John Goodman), and is surrounded by experts in every field who cower from his tantrums. One morning, Digger’s environmental expert, Dr. Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), informs him that his company’s drilling has caused an ice shelf to separate; it is now heading for Europe with potentially world-threatening ramifications. Faced with being blamed for the death of millions, Digger decides to set out to become humanity’s savior.

That is about as much of the plot that can be discussed without getting into spoiler territory. There is a reveal at the close of the first act that adds an extra dimension to the story, taking it in an entirely new direction that's different from what many would expect. While it is a tricky prospect for those of us reviewing the film, the swerve is in keeping with Iñárritu’s philosophy as a filmmaker. Just as his Oscar-winning Birdman ascended into surreal, introspective territory, so too does Digger become a film about much more than a billionaire with a God complex.

Alejandro González Iñárritu Creates Another Spectacular Fantasy

Image via Warner Bros.

It’s no spoiler to say that Digger looks at the consequences of capitalist hubris — in particular, the effect that corporate greed has on our planet, and how it may be a case of who we blame for the climate crisis rather than how we stop it. There are elements of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 satire Dr. Strangelove present, as well as Iñárritu’s previous work, in the way that the movie turns tragedy into comedy through its absurd portrayals of power. Yet, through a clever framing device, it never underplays the seriousness of what is being discussed. There will be as many winces as there are chuckles, but as you come to the film’s bitter end, you sense that something important is being explored.

Initial reactions have been divisive, and it’s likely that this will extend to the responses of theater audiences, as well. It’s a movie that challenges, disorientates, and hammers home its message in an occasionally jarring way. Some will love it, some will leave the theater scratching their heads, others will feel bruised by watching a satire of something that feels like it’s unfolding in real time. One thing’s for sure, however, and that’s that no one will leave Digger feeling indifferent.

Tom Cruise Shines in a Bizarre but Brilliant Performance

This is Tom Cruise’s first non-sequel film since 2017’s American Made. That film subverted expectations, but Digger (appropriately) blows them out of the water. After initial trailers surfaced online, some speculated that the character would be an extension of his loose-limbed performance in 2008’s Tropic Thunder, but besides the same hysterical shouting and heavy prosthetic makeup, this is an entirely different prospect. On the surface, Digger is lewd, cartoonish, and abrasive, but through Iñárritu’s lens, he becomes a caricature of the brittle egos of America’s ruling classes. He could have simply parodied Donald Trump or Elon Musk, but his performance speaks to something more troubling about the deification of the wealthy.

This is never more present than in the film’s stand-out scene, a prolonged monologue where Digger faces an angry Senate. Without special effects or stunts, the veteran star holds your attention throughout, grandstanding in a way that feels like an Oscar moment both in its intention and its impact. Every so often, the actor delivers an artistic left turn that catches audiences by surprise – Interview with the Vampire, Magnolia, Collateral – and at the age of 64, it’s a reminder that while he may be remembered for dangling from aircrafts and chasing spies through the streets, he is still capable of some spectacular dramatic performances.

Riz Ahmed Stands Out in an All-Star Supporting Cast

Image via Warner Bros.

Digger's cast is so stacked with talent it leaves some cast members fighting for air. Sandra Hüller has some fine moments as Digger’s irate half-sister, while Goodman and Michael Stuhlbarg make the most of their screen time as the President and Vice President, respectively. Jesse Plemons has some wonderful moments as the mysterious Kenny, but it’s Riz Ahmed’s Ganesh who is the star of the show, perhaps even more so than Cruise.

As the mild-mannered, timid environmentalist who slowly loses his temper with Digger as the situation becomes worse, the British actor is gripping to watch. He delivers heart-breaking monologues, including one aimed at Digger while onboard a private plane, but still keeps in line with the absurdist tone of the story, never once shrinking away from his esteemed co-stars. Ahmed's role could have been a frivolous sidebar, but ends up feeling like the soul of Iñárritu’s story. While everyone may be focusing on this movie being Cruise’s time at the Academy Awards, it’s Ahmed (already an Oscar winner for his 2022 short film The Long Goodbye) who feels like the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor.

Hilarious, infuriating, confusing, but always powerful, Digger is an audacious swing from both the director and its star. Few will see the twist in the tale coming, and not everyone will like how strange things get. For those who do, this is a wildly inventive adventure that sees Tom Cruise relishing his time outside his comfort zone.

Cast

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  Digger Rockwell

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  Ganesh

Pros & Cons

• Iñárritu and Cruise deliver a sophisticated meta satire.
• Tom Cruise gives a brilliant, daring performance.
• Riz Ahmed is superb at cutting through the noise.

• The twist may surprise fans expecting something closer to Tom Cruise's previous work.