Alejandro Inarritu’s Digger takes a familiar Hollywood idea—the powerful industrialist who helps destroy the world—and gives it a darker twist. Instead of offering audiences another larger-than-life hero who arrives to save the day, the film imagines a world where there may be no saviour left.

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Tom Cruise plays Curtis, an actor whose daughter is at the centre of his life. Within the film’s theatrical world, however, Cruise also plays Digger, a wealthy oil magnate whose influence extends far beyond his own empire.

Digger is presented as an exaggerated, almost cartoonish villain. From his extravagant mansion, he appears to exercise extraordinary influence over world leaders and make decisions with devastating consequences for the planet. The character fits the traditional Hollywood image of the all-powerful villain, but the film uses that familiar figure to explore more uncomfortable questions.

Rather than simply portraying Digger as a villain audiences can easily dismiss, Digger has him manipulate the public into confronting its own role in the climate crisis. His exaggerated behaviour becomes part of a larger argument about responsibility, power and accountability.

The film also marks an unusual turn for Cruise’s screen image. For decades, many of his most recognisable characters have been associated with action, heroism and saving others from catastrophic threats. Digger reverses that familiar dynamic.

By placing Cruise on the other side of the world-saving equation, Inarritu’s film reflects on changing ideas of American influence and Hollywood heroism while presenting a more cynical vision of a world confronting its own collapse.