The superb acting and gorgeous cinematography, however, isn’t enough to stop The Dig from getting a little side-tracked and bogged down in unimportant side plots and characters who don’t add much to the story.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Apr 26, 2024

Poetic, wistful and elevated with exquisite imagery, The Dig romanticises the unearthing of history.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 11, 2023

It’s really something when a film is not too concerned with the aesthetic but will find the beauty in discovery of one’s own. The Dig is a good picture, wonderfully acted (Ralph Fiennes is tremendous here), and an engrossing reimagining.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 11, 2022

The Dig’s story may be a tad overstuffed, but its entrancing ensemble – which features standout stars such as Carey Mulligan and Lily James – invites investment.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 1, 2022

There’s an almost Malickian beauty to how cinematographer Mike Eley shoots these early scenes. The fluidity of his camera movements, the striking angles, the way nature is admired through his lens – its absolutely gorgeous filmmaking.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5 | Aug 17, 2022

A modest film about an unsung hero, The Dig is an entertaining watch even if its lacking in emotional impact.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 1, 2022

If you think you will be bored, it's totally understandable. But you're also wrong.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Dec 23, 2021

Gentle. Concerned with history. Refreshingly adult.

Full Review | Sep 13, 2021

The Dig charms with both a reverence for the past and thoughtful exploration of life and death.

Full Review | Aug 28, 2021

A rich array of subdued performances and exceptional handheld cinematography grace a delicately woven British period piece. A finely observed film made up of small, touching moments, The Dig is testament to the virtues of understated acting.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 3, 2021

The Dig fails to address archaeology on anything more than a surface level, ignoring the fascinating psychological and emotional implications.

Full Review | Jun 5, 2021

The Dig is most definitely a learning experience, but it's also a chance to observe a place that seemingly stands apart from the rest of the country.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 23, 2021

There's a great film to be unearthed from John Preston's 2007 novel, but this isn't it.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 23, 2021

"a meditation on the fragility of life, how we're all connected, and what we leave behind."

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 20, 2021

Don't be fooled by the digging and the dirt, this Netflix feature is one of those rare hidden gems just waiting to be unearthed. Quintessentially English, full of charm and tenacity Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan put in star performances.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 18, 2021

Strong leading performances and a handful of beautifully crafted scenes sit sit by side with much clunkier and more derivative material.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 12, 2021

Great performances from Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Mar 6, 2021

Despite its shortcomings though, The Dig remains a touching drama. It is a well-shot and well-acted look into an intriguing account from history...

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 6, 2021

By the end, The Dig has become a moving meditation on both long ago history and our own daily mortality. Strongly recommended.

Full Review | Mar 6, 2021

The elegance in The Dig lies in what it says about the continuity of life rather than the finality of death.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 28, 2021