WNN Monday Movie Review: Digger

Digger took me to the very end to wrap my brain around what I just watched”

Rusty Wise - WNN

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Along comes a movie now and then where, at the end, you're asking, "What did I just watch?" That movie would be Digger, which was released on October 2nd, 2026.  Digger, starring Tom Cruise, is an R-rated dark comedy with heavy satire.

Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell - Digger (2026)

Warner Bros.

Cast and Plot

Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon who triggers a series of catastrophic events worldwide. He and US President Compson, played by John Goodman, try to save the world. The movie plays on capitalism, greed, technology, and the series of events caused by all of these. Unfortunately, if I say much more about the plot, I will give it away. Cruise and Goodman play excellent parts and may win some awards for it—the makeup and effects in this film make Cruise look almost unrecognizable. The actual set for the film is also a character in itself. Other actors include Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Emma D'Arcy, Sophie Wilde, and Burn Gorman.

John Goodman as US President Compson - Digger (2026)

Warner Bros.

Production

Opening weekend sales for Digger have been among Tom Cruise's worst in years, with approximately $20 million worldwide. The total production budget for the film is estimated at $150 million, and the film was primarily filmed in England. Production studios are Warner Bros. Pictures / Legendary Pictures for the 128-minute film. The movie has been heavily marketed, with some reports putting the spend at $100 million. Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning director of Birdman and The Revenant, directed it.

The Hoot Review Scale

• 5 Hoots - Outstanding filmmaking with emotional or cultural impact
• 4 hoots - Great movie with some minor flaws. Would recommend to a friend.
• 3 Hoots. Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. 
• 2 Hoots - It was okay, but it falls short of expectations or potential. 
• 1 Hoot - Weak story and/or poor execution. 

3.0 Hoot Review Rating

I give Digger a 3-out-of-5 hoot. It will not be for everyone, but many will like it.  Digger took me to the very end to wrap my brain around what I just watched. The meaning behind the movie might be more powerful than the movie itself. Let me know if you saw it and what you thought by sharing with the social links below and commenting.