The Dig

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Directed by Simon Stone
Produced by Carolyn Marks Blackwood, Gabrielle Tana, Murray Ferguson, and Ellie Wood
Screenplay by Moira Buffini Based on the novel by John Preston

With: Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, Ben Chaplin, Ken Stott, Archie Barnes, Monica Dolan, Johnny Flynn, and Lily James

Cinematography: Mike Eley
Editing: Jon Harris
Music: Stefan Gregory

Runtime: 112 min
Release Date: 29 January 2021
Aspect Ratio: 2.00 : 1
Color: Color

Twitter Capsule:

Refreshingly subdued, keenly observed historical period drama about an important pre-WWII archaeological discovery has much to say about life, death, and the passage of time, though all is kept appropriately close to the vest. The handheld photography and banal title are regrettable, but the gentle, buttoned-up performances from Mulligan and Fiennes captivate with their ability to convey emotion with so few words.

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How I Rate Films



An All-timer. One of the 5000 greatest films. Usually only awarded after repeat viewings.



One of the year's best. An excellent film. Possibly one of the 5000 greatest and certainly worthy of repeated viewing.



A very good film. Most films I see fall in the two- or three-star ranking. I give an extra half-star to three-star films that could end up on the list of the 5000 greatest.



A good film that fully succeeds at what it sets out to accomplish. Well worth seeing, but less effective than a three-and-a-half stars films and often less consequential than a two-and-a-half star film.



A noteworthy or enjoyable film that I can’t fully recommend. Still, two-and-a-half star films are often some of the most memorable films of a year.



A disappointment, an interesting failure, or just a bad movie. But still worth seeing if you’ve got the time.



A bad, rant-worthy film. Should be avoided regardless of hype or talent involved.



One of the worst films.