Tom Cruise returns to serious drama with Digger, and the first reactions have landed. Critics call Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s satirical dark comedy everything from a masterpiece to a misfire. The movie hits theaters on October 2, and the early reviews suggest audiences should expect the unexpected.
First reactions to Tom Cruise’s Digger are in
Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon whose drilling operation sparks a global disaster he must then fix. Iñárritu directs a stacked cast: Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Robert John Burke, Emma D’Arcy, Burn Gorman, and Sophie Wilde. Oscar pundits already peg Cruise as a Best Actor contender.
The praise is loud. ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley calls Digger “a masterpiece,” admitting he “hated the trailers” but was glad to be proven wrong. He calls it “an extremely important film” and his “new top contender for Best Picture.” Jake Hamilton of Jake’s Takes agrees, naming it his favorite film of 2026. He describes it as “a bit Kubrick, a bit BLACK MIRROR but also feels original,” and places Cruise’s work among his career best.
Others push back hard. IndieWire’s Anne Thompson predicts a critical split on Cruise, calling Digger “a brave and gorgeous art film that will not score with mainstream audiences.”
Next Best Picture’s Matt Neglia praises the crafts and Cruise’s “most dynamic and interesting role in years,” yet still calls the film “a hollow misfire.” Mike Ryan labels it “generally unpleasant.”
Hoai-Tran Bui of Inverse remains “very mixed,” though she notes “Riz Ahmed innocent.”
Variety’s Clayton Davis respects the ambition but admits “not all the dots connect.” Awards Radar’s Joey Magidson calls it “a mess.”
The Oscars buzz for Cruise and Ahmed looks justified, even among skeptics. But this review roundup signals a divisive reception, nothing like the crowd-pleasing run of Cruise’s recent blockbusters.
