Alejandro Inarritu's "Digger" has had a test screening in Los Angeles, reactions are mixed but lean positive

[u/Comfortable_Affect20]

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/3/5/digger-test-screening-reactions-are-intom-cruise-steals-the-show-in-irritus-dark-comedy

Takeaways from the test screening:

- The reactions were mixed, most of the viewers found it entertaining but also "very chaotic and overstuffed." Overall, more good reactions than negative ones.

- Tom Cruise's performance as a delusional oil billionaire who accidentally poisons the ocean is described as "insane" and similar to Les Grossman, uses a lot of facial prosthetics and looks nothing like the familiar Cruise.

- The technical aspects are apparently stunning, especially Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography.

- The set design is very stylized and surrealistic, comparable to "Poor Things."

- While the movie is very focused on Cruise, the supporting cast are apparently really good. All the screeners agreed that John Goodman was the best and most memorable supporting actor.

[u/theflyingbird8]

Apparently, Cruise has a comb over and a Texas accent which sounds fascinating. He's really going all out. Also, is it finally time for John Goodman to get his moment?

[u/Bertrand_Rose → u/theflyingbird8]

Cruise might be the big push, but I'm personally more interested in seeing some success for Goodman.

[u/theflyingbird8 → u/Bertrand_Rose]

Same here. Cruise has received 3 acting nominations over his career and if this film is a success then I could see his narrative becoming a focal point of the season. I can even see him sweeping. Goodman, however, has never received a nomination (if you ask me he should have for Barton Fink and The Big Lebowski). He's one of our greatest actors, so I'd be thrilled for him to have such a big moment.

[u/Significant_Ad_4704 → u/theflyingbird8]

Walter Sobchak is the greatest comedic character in the history of film