What is *Digger* about?

*Digger* is a black comedy and environmental satire directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, starring Tom Cruise as an ultra-rich oil tycoon. The film blends absurdity with sharp social commentary, reflecting contemporary political and environmental issues.

Why does Neil Young think *Digger* is the best film ever?

Neil Young praises *Digger* for its artful expression and bold reflection of today’s political and social climate. He believes critics have missed its deeper message, calling it a "film of our times" that challenges conventional storytelling.

Is *Digger* still in theaters?

As of mid-October 2026, *Digger* is still playing in select theaters, though its run has been scaled back due to poor box-office performance. Check local listings for availability.

Neil Young Praises Digger as Best Film Ever

Neil Young, the iconic singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, has declared Digger—Alejandro González Iñárritu’s latest film starring Tom Cruise—the best movie he has ever seen. In a passionate post on his Neil Young Archives website, the musician praised the film as a bold, artful reflection of today’s political and social climate, urging audiences to look beyond its commercial struggles and critical backlash.

Digger, a black comedy described as an apocalyptic satire, follows Cruise as an aging, ultra-wealthy oil tycoon navigating a world of excess and environmental decay. Since its release in early October 2026, the film has become one of the year’s most polarizing and financially disastrous projects, grossing just $38 million worldwide against a reported $180 million budget. Despite its box-office failure, a small but vocal group of supporters, including Young, has emerged to defend its artistic merit.

Why Neil Young Loves *Digger

Young’s endorsement is unapologetically effusive. In his post, he dismisses mainstream reviews as inadequate, arguing that critics have missed the film’s deeper message. "This film lives in a world of art," he wrote. "It is its own best review." He describes Digger not as a typical Tom Cruise vehicle but as a "film of our times," one that mirrors contemporary political and social tensions through its unconventional storytelling and radical shifts in tone.

For Young, Digger resonates as a work of art rather than a commercial product. "The things that are said in Digger are a direct reflection of today’s political and social world," he explained. "The film is so full of artful expression and radical change-ups that it may be too much to take in for those expecting a commercial film like we are used to today." His advice to potential viewers? Approach it with an open mind, even if it feels confusing or off-putting at first.

A Film Dividing Critics and Audiences

Digger’s reception has been sharply divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 53% critics score, with many reviews criticizing its disjointed narrative and tonal whiplash. Box-office numbers tell an even bleaker story: after a weak $20 million opening weekend, the film was pulled from many theaters, including IMAX screens, which were quickly repurposed for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Industry analysts now project Digger will lose Warner Bros. approximately $245 million, making it one of the biggest financial flops in recent history.

Yet, the film has found defenders in unexpected places. Alongside Young, celebrities like Jane Fonda, Guillermo del Toro, and Anne Hathaway have publicly supported Digger, while New York Times critic Jayson Greene penned an op-ed calling it a "secret masterpiece." These endorsements highlight a growing counter-narrative: that Digger’s failure may stem from audiences and critics being unprepared for its ambitious, unconventional approach.

What to Expect from *Digger

For those curious enough to seek it out, Digger offers: - A star-studded cast: Tom Cruise in a transformative role, alongside Anne Hathaway, Mandy Patinkin, and Guillermo del Toro in a supporting capacity. - A genre-defying narrative: Billed as a black comedy and environmental satire, the film blends absurdity with sharp social commentary. - A divisive experience: Young’s own words capture the challenge: "Stick with it when you are sure it is no good. Stay. Don’t be confused by its approach."

The film is still playing in select theaters as of mid-October 2026, though its theatrical run appears to be winding down. Whether Digger will find a second life on streaming platforms or cult-classic status remains to be seen, but for now, it has at least one legendary fan in Neil Young.

The Bigger Picture

Young’s defense of Digger is not just about the film itself but about the role of art in challenging audiences. As a musician who has spent decades pushing boundaries—from his early work with Buffalo Springfield to experimental albums like Trans—Young has never shied away from projects that defy expectations. His endorsement of Digger reflects a belief in cinema as a medium for provocation and reflection, even when it risks alienating mainstream audiences.

For fans of Young or Iñárritu, Digger may be worth a watch, if only to engage with a work that refuses to play by the rules. As the rock legend put it: "You must stay open and see it."