Starring: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Monica Dolan, Ken Stott
Directed by: Simon Stone
Written for the screen by: Moira Buffini
Cinematography: Mike Eley
Magnolia Mae Films, Clerkenwell Films, Netflix
We have not had a poignant film about digging holes, since well—Holes. The Dig sets out to a not only share a story of connection and romances, but it unearths and rewrites history about one specific event in British history, Sutton Hoo.
Sutton Hoo, for years has been one of the most important archaeological sites in the British Isles and Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes), the first excavator to start burrowing into the mysterious mounds of earth had mostly gone unrecognized in its historic discovery. When the local Ipswich museum decided to involve themselves in the discovery, many of the resident historians and archaeologists that were involved were poised with the discovery.
The beauty of The Dig is how candid it feels. Every shot felt like you were an observer, just quietly watching the events go by. Cinematographer, Mike Eley creates a vision the dreamy landscape of Suffolk, England in such a nostalgic way that you find yourself yearning for a place that you probably have never even visited. Matching the energy of the beautiful imagery is the tone of the story. A gentle and loose story of romance, intertwined with the theme rediscovering our identity through the past.
The Dig is an easy digest. You’ll find yourself lost in the imagery and the heartfelt story. Netflix has been by far the most consistent purveyor of cinema today and The Dig continues to add to their already growing library of fine cinema. This one is not to be missed.
Available January 29th on Netflix
