The Dig is a Historical drama film directed by Simon Stone. It stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Ben Chaplin, Ken Stott, Archie Barnes, and Monica Dolan in main roles and was released on 29th January 2021 on Netflix.
Set in 1939, Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), the owner of a large mansion, hires an excavator Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to handle the burial mounds in her estate, to dig it to find out what could be underneath that large barren land. Edith has her health issues, maybe an ulcer so is advised not to worry much. Further digging, with the help of two others, Brown is stunned to see iron joints and bolts from a ship which makes him sure that it could be a burial site, of a king maybe. Edith's cousin Rory (Johnny Flynn) also joins him. Charles Philips (Ken Stotts) from the British Museum arrives at the site and tells Brown to hand over the work to him. Philips brings some more archeologists, including Stuart (Ben Chaplin) and Peggy (Lily James). Edith's health continues to deteriorate and Peggy finds an Anglo-Saxon's remnant at the site.
Based on the 2007 novel, The Dig by John Preston and with the screenplay by Moira Buffini, The Dig is one of the simple, touching, and beautiful films I've seen in recent times. I don't know how much justice it did to the real events and the novel and the portrayals of these characters, but I will say that there's nothing to hate about in this film, even the characters that appear as negative. You'll get attached to Basil Brown who cycles from far to reach the site to dig up the land for £2 a week.
He tells that he's a self-taught archeologist and used to help his father in this work. His devotion and love for his work can be told by the scene where his wife May (Monica Dolan) says they don't have enough money to pay the rent and asks him to tell Edith to increase his pay. To which he replies that he doesn't do this work for money, he does it because he is good at it. Another effective character is Edith Pretty living alone with his son Robert (Archie Barnes) in a big mansion and has poor health.
She has her rough days with her father who didn't allow her to go to university for further studies. Her frustration and disappointment and dissatisfaction is clearly visible in her eyes and face. Her son forms a lovely bond with Brown as he promises that he would let Robert see the stars using his telescope. His interactions with Brown are lovely and the scene where he follows Brown to his house as he didn't keep his promise will touch your heart.
There is kind of a comforting relationship between the couple Basil and May. May writes to her husband daily whereas Basil didn't have any time to read those letters, but May doesn't react to this. She also understands his passion for his work. The first half somewhat feels empty as compared to the second half, where Philips and his archaeologists come into the frame. The dynamics between so many characters are well set up, and that of Peggy and Rory pops out the most.
Such a lovely track they both have. Peggy who felt empty and ignored by her husband Stuart who seem to be bonding with one of his peer in a more of an intimate way, she finds her heart and solace going for Rory who used to click photos of her. There's a mountain of real emotion hidden in this film. Like when Edith says May to allow Robert to visit Brown and their house. Maybe she is thinking about her son's future to make sure that someone has to be there when she's gone. Even Robert is not the simple happy boy here, he thinks he has a responsibility towards her mother which he's failing. He bursts out crying in front of Basil.
Ralph Fiennes has given a moving performance as Basil Brown. Not a single, he's expressionless or fails to affect you. Even the blank face of his is so full of hope and weariness. The same goes for Carey Mulligan. She played Edith beautifully. With her facial expressions and the way of walking, she nailed her part. Lily James as Peggy Piggott might appear like a glamorous version of an archeologist, but she deserves praise for her subtle and believable act. Archie Barnes as Robert also gets to shine and he doesn't fail. Johnny Flynn as Rory Lomax, Ben Chaplin as Stuart Piggott, Ken Stott as Charles Phillips, and Monica Dolan as May Brown also gave their best.
The cinematography by Mike Eley is outstanding. The film looks like heaven captured on camera. The camera work is very impressive and brings out the emotions of the characters with close up shots, and the wide shots of Edith walking on the land brings another level of excellence, visually and emotionally. The production design by Maria Djurkovic is spot on. The music by Stefan Gregory is touching and the editing by Jon Harris is equally perfect.
The Dig directed by Simon Stone offers more than just digging. The humane bond between the characters on screen is so natural and breathable. It digs into the characters bringing out their pure feelings that will move and touch you. It's a strong and heart-warming film I've seen in a long time. Keep your tissues ready as you'll need them. It'll be not a surprise if the film gets nominated at the Oscars.
Rating:- 4/5
Now streaming on Netflix.
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