The first reactions to Digger, the new film starring Tom Cruise and directed by Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, are in, and the result is far more controversial than the studio expected. Just days before its release, the film has become one of the most discussed titles of the season, not so much for a consensus on its quality, but for the chasm separating its defenders from its detractors.
Expectations for this project were high. Tom Cruise steps away from his usual persona, moving far from Ethan Hunt and the massive action sequences of Mission: Impossible, to play Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon described as the most powerful man in the world. That change of pace, combined with Iñárritu's involvement, had made it an awards season favorite months ago.
Digger debuts with a 52% on Rotten Tomatoes
With 79 reviews counted so far, Digger has premiered on Rotten Tomatoes with a 52% score, a figure that keeps it in the category considered negative on the platform. To escape that label, the film would need to surpass 60%, which seems increasingly difficult as new ratings are added.
This does not mean the reception is a total rejection. What is truly striking is the degree of polarization among those who have already seen it.
Completely opposing opinions
Part of the critical establishment describes Digger as an inventive, strange black comedy deeply connected to current events. Other reviews go further, calling it a daring and visually striking work capable of generating debate long after its release.
In that block of positive reviews, Tom Cruise's performance is also highlighted. Some critics go so far as to call his performance his best since Collateral, released in 2004, while others place it as a new high point in his acting career.
That is where the consensus practically ends.
The other half of the opinions is much harsher. The film is accused of being pretentious, overly loud, and confusing, in addition to being too insistent on its own messages. Some reviews question the effectiveness of its satire, and others describe the viewing experience as a test of endurance rather than a standard film.
An oil tycoon facing the disaster he caused
In Digger, Cruise plays a powerful oil tycoon in a plot that combines black comedy, political satire, and reflections on capitalism, big business, conservative politics, and climate change.
His character, Digger Rockwell, embarks on a desperate mission to present himself as the savior of humanity before the disaster he unleashed ends up destroying everything.
Even among those who disagree on its quality, there is agreement on one point: both Iñárritu and Cruise have taken a significant risk with this endeavor. Some reviews compare it favorably to Dr. Strangelove, while others consider that it seeks to become a contemporary version of that satire without fully succeeding.
Can Digger improve its reviews before the release?
The current 52% paints a complicated picture, although the figure could still change as new reviews are added before the launch. The barrier to changing the rating on Rotten Tomatoes remains clear: it needs to reach at least 60%.
Beyond the specialized critics, it will be interesting to observe how the general public reacts. Several of the favorable reviews acknowledge that Digger demands a lot from the viewer and that its major narrative gambles may not connect with every audience, while the negative ones point directly to its tone, thematic insistence, and specific creative choices.
Even among the less enthusiastic reviews, one compliment is repeated: the work of Tom Cruise. Under heavy makeup and completely removed from his usual image, the actor dives into one of the riskiest roles of his recent career.
Digger will be released on October 2, 2026. With such conflicting reviews, the film may have lost some of its initial status as an awards frontrunner, but it has gained something else: an enormous curiosity to discover exactly what Cruise has done to provoke such opposite reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digger’s score on Rotten Tomatoes?
Digger debuted with a 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, calculated from 79 reviews, which places it within the category considered negative on the platform.
Who directs Digger?
The film is directed by Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who helms this project starring Tom Cruise.
Who does Tom Cruise play in Digger?
Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a powerful oil tycoon described as the most powerful man in the world, in a plot involving black comedy and political satire.
When is Digger released?
Digger will arrive in theaters on October 2, 2026.
Why are the reviews for Digger so divided?
While part of the specialized press praises its audacity, direction, and Tom Cruise's performance, others consider it pretentious, confusing, and overly insistent on its messages, which has generated practically opposite opinions.
Does Digger need to improve its score to be considered positive?
Yes, on Rotten Tomatoes a film needs to exceed 60% positive reviews to stop being classified as negative, a threshold that Digger has not yet reached.
