Life Through the Lens: Reality vs. Response
Review of 'Digger' (2026)
Trending
"Words are perception, and perception is reality."
The older I get, the more I ponder the significance of "reality." There is an unrelenting black-cloud entitled "reality" that everyone cowers underneath. "Reality" is used to execute and excuse. It is wielded to redeem and reduce. It is a "get-out-of-jail-free," card as well as a ticket to damnation.
"Reality" is also extremely conditional. I know what I just said is an oxymoron ... but I stand by my claim. What is "irrefutable" is dictated by your upbringing, your surroundings, your experiences, your mentality and your training. Our brains are more than just recording devices; instead of simply "witnessing," we are lightning-fast constructors and predictors and protectors. We filter and fill our experiences without even knowing we are doing it.
When a situation unfolds around 10 people, those 10 people are likely to tell 10 different stories about "what happened." The difference lies in the perception, which is a mixture made of millions of moments in that specific person's life on top of interpretations layered over instincts. No amount of scientific research or psychological study can fully explain a person's subjective perception. It just is.
That is why I am largely uninterested in "reality" - it is for the birds. Instead, I am wholly concerned with "response." It isn't what you think or why you think it - it is always what you do with that information. You, personally, may be convinced that you are seeing the world with a clarity oft reserved for the gods ... but your response is the only portion of you that is outward-facing. Internally, go for it - enjoy the weather up there on Mount Olympus. Outwardly, though, how you act, treat, love and accept the rest of us ... you must control and reconcile your response. Regardless of your "reality," your "response" can/will validate all the other "realities" out here doing their best in this boiling pot called life.
"Reality" is yours, but the "response" is for all.
***
Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) has experienced unprecedented success in his lifetime; oil is one of those businesses that just pays and pays well! Digger has stretched "regulation" and "restriction" to do his bidding, making millionaires of many. When news of catastrophe is presented, mass death is imminent, Digger still has the wherewithal to ask, "Yeah ... but what's it gonna cost me?" The shady drilling that has been going on in Alaska and Greenland has triggered a global event like none before it ... and it is kinda-sorta Digger's fault. Instead of alerting the world, Digger convinces U.S. powers to sit and spin. The results ... it ain't pretty.
Digger must later explain his selfishness. He must stand accountable for his greed and callousness. He must wrestle with "reality" and his "response." He must also continue to practice his GD lines before the show opens!
I can't tell you any more about the plot - it'll spoil the fun!
For the life of me, I cannot understand the world's reaction to this movie. If you have read bad press or negative reactions, know this: True art will always be divisive. For a piece to truly transcend and teleport, it must take bold steps and make brave choices. "Digger" is a miracle of a movie. It is larger than life (literally); it is revealingly meta; it is purposeful and precise; it is a giant satirical swing. I am bursting with respect for its execution and intention! It is genuinely something you have to see to believe!
Writer/director Alejandro Iñárritu is a filmmaking revolutionary. Every project he creates is unquestionably ambitious and equally honest. His yearning and sincerity make the very screen quake. His 2014 masterpiece "Birdman" is my all-time No. 3! In "Digger," all of his vision and vigor are on display! Not only is the script alive and layered, but the control in his direction is simply astounding. How can so much creativity and community live inside of one person?!
The music by Cosmo Sheldrake is fantastically conceived! The cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki is one of a kind; no one does it quite like him! The editing by Stephen Mirrione and Conor O'Neill is crisp and effortless. The production design by Dennis Gassner and Richard L. Johnson is unbelievable; like...I saw it, and I still don't believe it. It is that sensational. The art direction by Matt Gray is groundbreaking. The costume design by Jacqueline West is delicate yet daring. The models by Magic Camera Company are a-ma-zing! The entire crew of "Digger" has created a show-stopping piece of art.
Cruise is perfect as Digger; any hate he is receiving is shallow. His character is multi-faceted; the grandiosity is necessary for the rich subtlety to exist. Oscar-worthy! Riz Ahmed is spectacular as Environmental Safety Chief Dr. Ganesh. Oscar-worthy! John Goodman is hilarious as President Compson. Michael Stuhlbarg is bonkers as the vice president. Jesse Plemons delivers a needed pathos as Kenny. I can't not mention Maggie the cat - just so funny!
It may not hit every mark you are looking for, but it must be appreciated. Art is there for conversation, for beauty, for enrichment. Go appreciate it! Time will remember this film fondly. It can be seen in theaters right now.
REPORT CARD: Digger
Grade: A+
Assessment: Art is for everyone!