Digger: First reactions to new Tom Cruise movie – Here's what the critics are saying

With his role in "Digger," Tom Cruise is already generating buzz even before the movie's release. This is due in no small part to the fact that, in director Alejandro G. Iñárritu's new film, he looks very different from what we're used to seeing from the "Mission: Impossible" star. Aside from the unusual look, however, the question arises: Can Cruise pull off the role? And: Is "Digger" a good movie? Now the first reactions are in. And it's already becoming clear: The reviews are anything but unanimous.

But what is "Digger" about? The synopsis reads:

"The most powerful man in the world embarks on a desperate mission to prove that he is humanity's savior before the catastrophe he has unleashed destroys everything."

We'll find out how the film is generally received as soon as the in-depth reviews are published. When the movie hits theaters on October 2, 2026, you'll be able to read what we and other critics think of "Digger" in KinoCheck's detailed meta-review. For now, however, the brief reactions posted by critics on social media offer a first impression of how the film is being received.

What the critics are saying about Digger

As mentioned earlier, reactions have been mixed. Accordingly, some critics aren't offering a clear verdict. Hoai-Tran Bui is one of them:

"Very mixed on DIGGER which had things I liked (Cruise's performance included) and things I found absolutely insufferable."

Kristen Lopez also seems somewhat torn. What's interesting here is that while she praises Cruise's performance, she's apparently even more enthusiastic about co-star Riz Ahmed:

"DIGGER is a very mixed bag. You'll get what it's saying, and the concept is interesting, but it doesn't trust the audience enough not to hold its hand. Riz Ahmed is great. The Cruise performance is solid. Hard to do satire when the absurdity is so prominent in reality."

Chris Gore expects that "Digger" might also receive a mixed reception from audiences. He also offers a word of caution:

"Digger is the biggest swing of Cruise's career. It's either going to blow your mind or you'll have other thoughts when you learn what is really happening in Iñárritu's masterfully directed film. Avoid spoilers."

Jim Hemphill is much more unequivocal, expressing complete enthusiasm – both for Cruise and for the film's execution:

"'Digger' not only showcases Tom Cruise's best performance since "Magnolia," it's one of the most visually inventive, conceptually audacious, and unpredictable studio movies ever made."

Jake Hamilton also reacts enthusiastically and suggests that viewers should avoid spoilers:

"DIGGER is my favorite film of '26 – I avoided spoilers, so the surprises had an incredible impact."

As a representative example of the voices that aren't particularly favorable toward the film, here's Joey Magidson's review. He writes:

"Digger is a mess. Tom Cruise and Alejandro G. Iñárritu are taking a massive swing here, but despite some great production design and a commitment to their big choices, not a whole lot works here. Cruise is good and Riz Ahmed is a highlight, but man this wasn't enjoyable."

Oscar for Tom Cruise?

It will be interesting to see how "Digger" is received by audiences and what Tom Cruise's Oscar chances look like once the film hits theaters. There's been plenty of speculation leading up to its release about whether this role might finally earn him the Academy Award for Best Actor. But who knows: Judging by the initial reactions to "Digger," it's not out of the question that Riz Ahmed could instead become one of the big winners of the upcoming awards season.

Either way, Alejandro G. Iñárritu's film boasts a remarkable ensemble cast. Alongside Cruise and Ahmed, the cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman, and Sandra Hüller. You'll soon be able to see how the actors perform in the film on the big screen. The trailer gives you a first glimpse of what "Digger" has to offer: