The Dig

Name: The Dig
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Released: January 15, 2021
Duration: 112 min
Rating: 73
Cast: Archie Barnes, Arsher Ali, Ben Chaplin, Carey Mulligan, Chris Wilson

2021

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 50 Ratings

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6.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 50 Ratings

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The Dig

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Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date: January 15, 2021 | PG-13

Starring: Archie Barnes, Arsher Ali, Ben Chaplin, Carey Mulligan, Chris Wilson, Danny Webb, James Dryden, Joe Hurst, Johnny Flynn, Ken Stott, Lily James, Monica Dolan, Ralph Fiennes, Robert Wilfort, Stephen Worrall

Movie Facts:

Streams on Netflix (after a brief theatrical run) beginning on January 29, 2021.

Summary: As WWII looms, a wealthy widow (Carey Mulligan) hires an amateur archaeologist (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate the burial mounds on her estate. When they make a historic discovery, the echoes of Britain's past resonate in the face of its uncertain future‎. [Netflix]

Director: Simon Stone

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 112 min

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Critic Reviews

The Film Stage Jared Mobarak

Jan 28, 2021

With superb performances (Fiennes, Mulligan, James, and Flynn shine), gorgeous cinematography, lyrical editing, and a complementary score, the film proves a melancholic wonder that isn’t easily forgotten. Read full review

Michael O'Sullivan

Jan 14, 2021

Gradually, and with the methodical patience of someone unearthing buried treasure with a tiny brush, The Dig reveals itself to be a story of love and estrangement, of things lost and longed for, of life and death — of what lasts and what doesn’t. Read full review

Donald Clarke

Jan 29, 2021

This charming, beautifully made drama gets about halfway (maybe a little more, maybe 60 or 70 per cent) towards confirmation as a classic of English reserve before a stunningly uninteresting subplot concerning less charismatic characters arrives to deaden the closing scenes. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Jan 28, 2021

All of it works. All of it holds together, guided by the sure hand of director Simon Stone, who subtly imparts his sense of the story. His idea is that everyone involved mattered, and so we come away with an impression of an entire moment of time. Read full review

Glenn Kenny

Jan 28, 2021

To its credit, this consistently interesting and at times engrossing picture declines to strike any of its notes with a hammer. Trading on the great British art of understatement, it’s scrupulous, sober, and tasteful throughout. Read full review

Matt Melis

Jan 14, 2021

A touching film that perhaps spends a bit too much time digging in the wrong places. Read full review

The Playlist Asher Luberto

Jan 30, 2021

Although the actors are a joy to watch (as always), honestly, Edith and Basil’s real-life story just isn’t that cinematic, and the film never makes their discovery feel like our own. Read full review

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User Reviews

Ariadne

Feb 20, 2021

I know this isn't a documentary or even a docudrama about the actual events. This is a story about people. About their passions and fears. About life and death and the uncertainty of Britain where everyone knows war is coming. That is the story being told with the events of this amazingI know this isn't a documentary or even a docudrama about the actual events. This is a story about people. About their passions and fears. About life and death and the uncertainty of Britain where everyone knows war is coming. That is the story being told with the events of this amazing find in Sutton Hoo.

As a character movie, I loved it (and these aren't usually my preferred genre). But it has also sparked my interest in the actual finds of Sutton Hoo and it's impacts on our understanding of British history. So maybe this movie doesn't have the archeology or even the historical record exactly right, but if it makes people want to know more, then that's a bonus to the movie's credit.

Don't watch this for a history lesson. Watch it to enjoy the characters their story. Then you can find a good book on Sutton Hoo.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

LesMisCye

Feb 1, 2021

In love with this film! Overall a very well acted amazing storytelling, a heartfelt, emotional, powerful true to life story. Fave film this year!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

katezoe

Feb 5, 2021

Wonderful surprise film went beyond expectations! Great period piece with a fascinating true story. Carey Mulligan is marvelous.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

lolplayer117

Feb 7, 2021

I wanted more scenes about the actual excavation process. Too much time spent on somewhat hamfisted relationship stuff. Also, the music was pretty overbearing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Mauro_Lanari

Jan 31, 2021

(Mauro Lanari)
"The dig" (of the grave)
Simon Stone manipulated the real story in a single direction: Edith Pretty was involved in spiritualism, and from this he invented the classic rigmarole on the supposed immortality or eternity of love. Falsified romance stories between the two(Mauro Lanari)
"The dig" (of the grave)
Simon Stone manipulated the real story in a single direction: Edith Pretty was involved in spiritualism, and from this he invented the classic rigmarole on the supposed immortality or eternity of love. Falsified romance stories between the two protagonists, between Peggy Piggott and Rory (a fictional character), and on the reasons for Basil's passion for archaeology. Nevertheless, the film maintains from the first scene, with Finnies hunched under the weight of age and fatigue, with the poignant soundtrack and desaturated photography, the opposite halo of a Beckettian transience: we all fail, every day.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

imdbsupport

Feb 11, 2021

In a film defined by understatement, it’s the little details that matter.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

zVeni

Feb 4, 2021

Don't watch the movie, Watch the short behind It instead. The movie is absolute garbage.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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