Tom Cruise's 'Outrageous' Digger Already Looks Set To Become 2026's Most Divisive Film

The movie is already being called “wild”, “ambitious”, “breathtaking” and “a mess”.

Tom Cruise’s new movie Digger screened for the press this week – and critics can’t seem to agree on what to make about the dystopian black comedy.

Since then, the first reactions on social media from those who’ve seen the film have so far been completely polarised, calling it everything from “goofy” to “unpleasant” to “fascinating stuff”.

Either way, Digger promises to be a film that will spark conversation and debate, whether audiences love it or hate it.

Next Best Picture founder Matt Neglia declared Digger to be an “over-the-top comedy of gigantic satirical proportions” and teased that the film probably isn’t what audiences may be expecting from its previously-released trailers.

However, despite appreciating the “sombre commentary on the bleak state of the world we’re inevitably heading toward”, the writer ultimately declared the film “less of a bang and more of a hollow misfire”.

The Wrap’s Drew Taylor also called the “odd and extraordinary” film “a grand satire (or farce?) about our current predicament and where we go from here, full of barbed commentary and outlandish set pieces”, but acknowledged it won’t be for everyone.

Variety’s Clayton Davis voiced his respect for the bold film that the film takes, but lamented that he wishes it “leaned harder into the absurdity and satire it kept reaching for”.

Similarly, content creator The Oscar Expert had mixed feelings about Digger, declaring it to be “goofy” and “not funny”, but still “fascinating.”

“It’ll be divisive…” he concluded. “But I appreciated the ambition and surprises.”

"Digger" is not what people are expecting — and how audiences react may be the ultimate test of Tom Cruise's star power. I respect the swing and what Alejandro González Iñárritu is going for. Tom Cruise and John Goodman are delivering stellar work (Sophie Wilde might be best in… pic.twitter.com/egbp5ExWVj— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) September 22, 2026

"Digger" is not what people are expecting — and how audiences react may be the ultimate test of Tom Cruise's star power. I respect the swing and what Alejandro González Iñárritu is going for. Tom Cruise and John Goodman are delivering stellar work (Sophie Wilde might be best in… pic.twitter.com/egbp5ExWVj

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.#Digger pic.twitter.com/dCQEtDlSYG— Joey Magidson (@JoeyMagidson) September 22, 2026

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.#Digger pic.twitter.com/dCQEtDlSYG

#Digger isn’t for everyone, but one thing undeniable: this is Tom Cruise’s bravest and riskiest performance in over 20 years. Digger Rockwell is manic and melancholy and the film has a lot to say about our future. It’s audacious, wild and one of Tom’s most memorable roles. pic.twitter.com/RqzpjdKLig— Mark Daniell (@markhdaniell) September 22, 2026

#Digger isn’t for everyone, but one thing undeniable: this is Tom Cruise’s bravest and riskiest performance in over 20 years. Digger Rockwell is manic and melancholy and the film has a lot to say about our future. It’s audacious, wild and one of Tom’s most memorable roles. pic.twitter.com/RqzpjdKLig

DIGGER one of the most ambitious films I’ve seen this year! Great commentary on where our world is heading. Tom Cruise while not his strongest it’s impactful and hilarious! John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, and the ensemble also have great chemistry. An Innaritu film I dug! #digger pic.twitter.com/KdIICEdzfe— Josh Blumenkranz @NYFF (@moviebuddyjb) September 22, 2026

DIGGER one of the most ambitious films I’ve seen this year! Great commentary on where our world is heading. Tom Cruise while not his strongest........

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