I’m typically a very forgiving viewer, meaning even if I “hate” a movie, I’ll likely still give it another chance if presented the opportunity. As with anything in life, external factors can alter how you feel about a film from the first watch to the second to the third… and so on. Sickness. Tiredness. Outside noise. A bad day. Noisy moviegoers. You name it. While many critics wouldn’t admit it, these factors can seep into a review.
That’s why I’m starting the “On Second Watch” series, where I’ll share how my thoughts have changed — or remained the same — on second watch. What better movie to start with than “Digger.”
Original Thoughts: “The film contains some of the most electric moments of 2026 so far. It also features a nonsensical, overreaching screenplay that makes the experience as a whole feel interminable.”
This remains true, though the former is far more apparent. With a movie like “Digger,” the first watch is almost an experiment. I remembered it more fondly than I actually enjoyed it in the moment. A second viewing makes the script flow more cohesively because you already know the “big twist.” With this information, it becomes less of a waiting game and more of a dissection of countless moving pieces. This makes the experience much more enjoyable.
And those “electric moments” are still there. On top of the exaggerated performances, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s direction, Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography and Cosmo Sheldrake’s musical score make them possible. Much of the movie features low-angle close-up shots of characters’ faces. This changes during cabinet meetings or courtroom hearings, with wide shots allowing the entire environment to breathe. Both approaches give the visuals a larger-than-life feel that is hard to replicate — no matter how muted the color grading may be. Sheldrake’s compositions are equally unique, with sharp rhythms and booming sounds that tickle the ears. All of these aspects combine to create a number of memorable sequences.
Original Thoughts: “This is an over-the-top role on every level, with scream-filled rambles, finger guns and more.”
Tom Cruise (Digger) has so many movies that are “his,” but this one feels distinct. Whether he’s taking care of an elderly cat, having a screaming match with the president or shouting about “your TikTok and your YouTube,” Cruise steals the show. Sporting an unrecognizable look seems to have taken away the Cruise-factor for general audiences, but it doesn’t diminish the performance. He’s just as emotive and vocally sound, even with all the prosthetics.
Original Thoughts: “Plemons plays a character who feels completely out of place at first. As the narrative progresses, however, his performance actually becomes of importance.”
Plemons (Kenny) may have a “small” role, but he’s integral to arguably the most important scene of the movie. His character emphasizes not only the themes of escapism and retrospection but also authoritarianism. Some viewers may buy into Kenny’s innocence, but that manipulation is key to understanding him as a person. Plemons’ performance is likable while also being subtly unsettling.
However, someone else stands out above everyone but Cruise on the second watch: Riz Ahmed (Ganesh). From the start, he has an extremely awkward presence that contrasts perfectly with Cruise’s outward snarkiness. That awkwardness then grows into drunken outbursts and hysterical breakdowns that deliver laughs time and time again.
Original Thoughts: “By the end, it does deliver a clear statement: there’s no room for complacency.”
If “Digger” stands the test of time, it’s going to be because of this. The film itself mocks viewers, knowing we came to laugh and escape from our lives. Well… that alone can only last for so long. It’s easy to applaud or boo something, but those reactions must lead to an action for a difference to be made. Watching and walking away isn’t enough.
Because of its theatrical structure, Iñárritu’s work will likely blossom on future rewatches. It has many messages, allowing the audience to form their own interpretations of the events. It’s at times hilarious. It’s also a warning.
“Digger” may have bombed at the box office, but it’s likely going to dig itself into pop culture. There’s cult classic written all over this weird, timely and clever film.
