Alejandro Iñárritu’s Digger is a sure-to-be-divisive conversation starter that takes big swings, gives plenty to absorb, and lets an invigorating Tom Cruise go gloriously balls to the wall. Yep, this is a bold film that goes hard on its core themes of environmental recklessness, corporate greed, and the manipulation of truth, while also digging into the role (and effectiveness) of satire itself. And, well, the fact that this IS a satire means there are plenty of meta-moments at play. Of course, I’ll tiptoe around the plot twist so as not to ruin anything, but let’s just say there’s a moment that will cause audiences to question whether they’re still on board with the movie. I’m happy to say that I definitely was - intrigued by this new layer and eager to see how it would all play out. And while Digger throws a lot at its audience to chew on and ponder, the lead performance by Tom Cruise leaves zero doubt about his commitment to the role. It’s a big, loud, showy turn - one that sees him completely transformed. Cartoonish? Sure. But we learn why. Again, no spoilers. In fact, once we get that twist, his performance becomes even more impressive and multilayered - adding a whole new dimension to everything we’ve seen from him up to that point. There’s also a specific monologue in a court-like setting that is simply astounding cinema, with Cruise making every second of it unforgettable. His presence, his swagger, his intensity - it all demands your attention. As for the rest of the cast, they don’t all get a ton to work with, but they make the most of what they’re given. John Goodman chews all the scenery wonderfully, while Jesse Plemons shines in a significant moment/monologue of his own. But other than Cruise, it’s Riz Ahmed who shines brightest. His scientist character, Ganesh, makes for the perfect counterpoint to Cruise’s Digger. I could watch those two banter for days. But, perhaps the biggest star of the film is the production design. It’s genuinely eye-popping stuff, with an ornate, almost dollhouse-like aesthetic. And, every inch of the set design is a deliberate amplification of the movie’s satirical tone - especially when it comes to its depiction of environmental catastrophe. It’s a sight to behold, that’s for sure. And while Digger might not be for everyone, you deserve a chance to behold it for yourself and decide whether it leaves a mark on you — as it did me.