Film Critic Defends Alejandro Iñárritu's 'Digger'

A film critic has defended Alejandro Iñárritu's latest film, 'Digger,' asserting its merit despite widespread negative reviews and a poor box-office performance. The film, described as a climate change allegory, has drawn criticism for its perceived ugliness, loudness, and unpleasantness. However, the critic posits that these very qualities contribute to its effectiveness as a commentary on contemporary life. The review, published by the same magazine that featured a negative assessment by colleague Jake Bittle, highlights 'Digger' as Iñárritu's most ambitious, visually maximalist, thematically convoluted, and sonically grating work to date.

The critic acknowledges Bittle's description of the film as "ugly, loud, and unpleasant" but argues that this sensory overload is intentional and mirrors the overwhelming nature of modern existence. The film is placed in the company of other works like 'Sorry to Bother You,' 'Uncut Gems,' and 'Eddington,' which use cacophony as a form of social commentary. 'Digger' reportedly features elements such as fiery accidents, signs of planetary collapse, bumbling bureaucrats, casual sexism, decaying pets, and senseless violence, all contributing to its unsubtle and "borderline noxious" tone.

Despite the challenging aspects, the critic finds significant value in 'Digger,' particularly noting a surprising performance by Tom Cruise in one of his "weirdest roles ever." The film's narrative centers on a morally unsound character named Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon portrayed by Cruise. Rockwell is depicted as ignoring warnings from climate scientists regarding his drilling activities in the Arctic. This central conflict positions the film as a direct engagement with the climate crisis, using its allegorical framework to explore themes of environmental destruction and corporate irresponsibility.

The film's release has been met with skepticism, with many echoing Jake Bittle's sentiment of having "hated it." However, the defending critic expresses a personal connection to the success of Mexican artists in the public sphere, which initially motivated them to see the film. After a viewing lasting two hours and nine minutes, the critic was surprised by their own positive reaction, concluding that 'Digger' is a film "well-worth seeing—and talking about," even with its polarizing nature and the significant spoilers contained within the review. The film's ambition and maximalist approach are seen as integral to its message, challenging audiences with its direct and often uncomfortable portrayal of contemporary issues.