X
- 2021
- PG-13
- Netflix
- 1 h 52 m
- 2021
- PG-13
- Netflix
- 1 h 52 m
Summary As WWII looms, a wealthy widow (Carey Mulligan) hires an amateur archaeologist (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate the burial mounds on her estate. When they make a historic discovery, the echoes of Britain's past resonate in the face of its uncertain future. [Netflix]
Directed By: Simon Stone
Written By: Moira Buffini, John Preston
- 2021
- PG-13
- Netflix
- 1 h 52 m
- 2021
- PG-13
- Netflix
- 1 h 52 m
The Dig
73
6.8
Summary As WWII looms, a wealthy widow (Carey Mulligan) hires an amateur archaeologist (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate the burial mounds on her estate. When they make a historic discovery, the echoes of Britain's past resonate in the face of its uncertain future. [Netflix]
Directed By: Simon Stone
Written By: Moira Buffini, John Preston
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 Critic Reviews
73
83% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
17% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 Critic Reviews
73
83% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
17% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
With superb performances (Fiennes, Mulligan, James, and Flynn shine), gorgeous cinematography, lyrical editing, and a complementary score, the film proves a melancholic wonder that isn’t easily forgotten.
Although it all may veer towards a cliched representation of British-ness, Fiennes and Mulligan’s leading turns as Brown and Pretty are charming.
By Aparita Bhandari
FULL REVIEW
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 100 User Ratings
6.8
66% Positive
66 Ratings
66 Ratings
27% Mixed
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
7% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 100 User Ratings
6.8
66% Positive
66 Ratings
66 Ratings
27% Mixed
27 Ratings
27 Ratings
7% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
A story based on true events that works more as a drama than a documentary. The plot of how a discovery changes the life of a community, right on the eve of World War II, is sustained with excellent performances and an absorbing plot that never loses its rhythm. Do not lose sight of.
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I know this isn't a documentary or even a docudrama about the actual events. This is a story about people. About their passions and fears. About life and death and the uncertainty of Britain where everyone knows war is coming. That is the story being told with the events of this amazing find in Sutton Hoo.
As a character movie, I loved it (and these aren't usually my preferred genre). But it has also sparked my interest in the actual finds of Sutton Hoo and it's impacts on our understanding of British history. So maybe this movie doesn't have the archeology or even the historical record exactly right, but if it makes people want to know more, then that's a bonus to the movie's credit.
Don't watch this for a history lesson. Watch it to enjoy the characters their story. Then you can find a good book on Sutton Hoo.
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There are moments of emotion and triumph, especially during the sequences of discovery, but the mood overall is understated, quiet, thoughtful.
All of it works. All of it holds together, guided by the sure hand of director Simon Stone, who subtly imparts his sense of the story. His idea is that everyone involved mattered, and so we come away with an impression of an entire moment of time.
Simon Stone’s film, about a famous archaeological discovery, has an excellent cast, led by Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes and Lily James, all in top form. It takes place just as England is entering World War II, so there’s that, too. And since this evidently isn’t enough, some romance gets tacked on, as well.
It’s an intimate film that moves at the deliberate, careful pace of an excavation and, in so doing, uncovers a few gems along the way.
Although the actors are a joy to watch (as always), honestly, Edith and Basil’s real-life story just isn’t that cinematic, and the film never makes their discovery feel like our own.
A movie about life and death. Not particularly useful or entertaining. An attempt to make you feel better about dying. If that's something you think you'll enjoy then go for it.
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The acting was solid, the directing was mostly good and the writing was decent. There were too many scenes of characters doing random mundane activities while music played e.g. walking. Outside of those the story flowed well. The kid was annoying, but otherwise all the primary characters had depth and the performances were decent. I particularly enjoyed Ralph Fiennes and Lily James. Carey Mulligan was good too. Early in the movie Mr. Brown was in danger and I was genuinely concerned for the character. It dawned on me how quickly I had been compelled to care about this fictional character. Kudos. I thought Lily James did a great job non-verbally conveying the struggle her character was facing.
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Details
Production Company
Netflix,
Magnolia Mae Films,
Clerkenwell Films
Release Date Jan 15, 2021
Duration 1 h 52 m
Rating PG-13
Tagline Nothing stays lost forever.
Awards
BAFTA Awards
• 5 Nominations
ReFrame
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Women's Image Network Awards
• 2 Nominations