Tom Cruise Transforms into Oil Tycoon in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's 'Digger'

Tom Cruise sports a striking new look as a Texan oil tycoon in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's latest film, "Digger." The actor is nearly unrecognizable, aged by prosthetics to portray the character of Digger Rockwell, the ruthlessly acquisitive boss of Rockwell Oil.

The film premiered at the Royal Film Performance, leaving many audience members initially bewildered. According to critic Brian Viner, the reaction at the end of the screening was one of such perplexity that it felt as if attendees were part of a performance art piece, unable to leave the cinema until royalty had departed.

Viner describes "Digger" as a darkly comic satire that challenges audience expectations, drawing parallels to Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove," but with environmental disaster replacing nuclear warfare as the central threat.

The narrative begins with Digger's personal and professional concerns: his cat's leukemia and a methane leak threatening his workers in Greenland. The film highlights Digger's peculiar priorities, showing his deep concern for his pet while his company faces an escalating crisis.

The situation in Greenland intensifies when a significant portion of the polar ice shelf breaks off, heading towards Europe with potentially catastrophic consequences. The autocratic U.S. President, played by John Goodman, and his cabinet convene at Digger's mansion to discuss the unfolding environmental threat, as explained by Riz Ahmed's character, the head of environmental safety.

The film features sharp satire, with Goodman's President Compson depicted as a boorish figure whose cabinet meetings are marred by prejudice and concluded with prayer. The president's energy policies and interest in Greenland's natural resources have led to speculation about real-world parallels.

However, "Digger" reportedly takes a significant turn about halfway through, with a major twist that the film's description suggests is followed by further complications. Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for acclaimed films like "Birdman" and "The Revenant," is noted for his audacious storytelling.

Cruise himself called "Digger" "next-level filmmaking." Viner, who has seen the film twice, notes that while initially finding it tangled and self-indulgent, he appreciated it more on a second viewing, understanding the narrative's twists. He ultimately deems it "bold and often brilliant filmmaking."

"Digger" is set to be released in cinemas on Friday. Whispers of potential Oscar nominations for Iñárritu, Cruise, and Goodman have emerged, alongside praise for supporting performances from Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons.