Overview
- Digger opened in Argentina on October 1 and began wider international release on October 2, drawing immediate attention for its tone and Tom Cruise’s dramatic prosthetic transformation.
- Critical reaction is sharply split, with Rotten Tomatoes around the low 50s and Metacritic in the mid‑40s, producing praise from some critics and strong negative reviews from others.
- Warner Bros. has incorporated that polarization into marketing by running ads that juxtapose glowing and scathing reviews to prompt public debate over the film.
- Production costs are disputed: director Alejandro G. Iñárritu cited about US$125 million while Variety reported US$160–180 million and Warner disputed the larger figures, and analysts say roughly a US$40 million opening weekend would be needed to project profitability.
- Despite mixed reviews, industry commentators note the film’s prestige elements — Iñárritu’s direction, Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography and Cruise’s risky turn — leaving room for awards discussion even as box‑office uncertainty looms.