A captivating period drama starring British A-listers is garnering immense praise for its emotional story, exquisite cinematography, and brilliant performances.

The 2021 period drama has been directed by Simon Stone, with a screenplay by Moira Buffini and John Preston. Adapted from a novel of the same name authored by Preston himself, The Dig reimagines the events of the Sutton Hoo Excavation of 1939 that took place in Suffolk, England.

Starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan in the lead, the pair are supported by a stellar cast comprising Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Ben Chaplin, Ken Stott, Archie Barnes, and Monica Dolan.

The Dig initially had a limited theatrical release on January 14, 2021, following which it dropped on Netflix on January 29 that same month. On its very first release weekend, this ‘engrossing’ period drama became the third-most watched title on the streamer, opening to glowing reviews from fans and critics alike. It was also nominated for five BAFTAs, including for Outstanding British Film.

The film’s official plot states: “An excavator and his team discover a wooden ship from the Dark Ages while digging up a burial ground on a woman’s estate.” The Dig has garnered an impressive 88% critics approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

One reviewer said of the film: “It’s really something when a film is not too concerned with the aesthetic but will find the beauty in discovery of one’s own. The Dig is a good picture, wonderfully acted (Ralph Fiennes is tremendous here), and an engrossing reimagining.”

While another critic said in a glowing review: “Don’t be fooled by the digging and the dirt, this Netflix feature is one of those rare hidden gems just waiting to be unearthed. Quintessentially English, full of charm and tenacity Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan put in star performances.”

Yet another happy critic said: “A rich array of subdued performances and exceptional handheld cinematography grace a delicately woven British period piece. A finely observed film made up of small, touching moments, The Dig is testament to the virtues of understated acting.”

While one emotional critic said: “It’s remarkably moving. By Jupiter, I even cried by the end.”

Viewers were equally pleased with the firlm, with one bowled-over fan writing: “ It is astonishing to me how much I enjoyed this movie. I typically dislike period pieces…especially British period pieces…but here we are. This exudes so much subtle emotion, atmosphere, and significance that I was pretty taken aback by how big this relatively small story feels. 

“The juxtaposition between the marvel of their discovery and the horror of the inevitable war is very felt and the absolutely brilliant acting in The Dig breathes real life into every moment. I wouldn’t say this bowled me over with its story as it’s really quite simple, but it’s the pure humanity it was able to quietly pour over me that left me thoroughly impressed. Banger of a movie.”

Yet another impressed viewer wrote: “I found the story moving and consequential. The acting was superb. Mulligen, Fiennes and James were outstanding. If you have visited the British Museum this movie/story will resonate and leave you searching for more details. It was an inspiring story.”

While another fan said: “This isn’t my type of film usually, but I found it to be enchanting and captivating. Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes are excellent, as is the young lad . A window on a dangerous time but also captures the charm of England back then , when everyone had manners and everything was done with TLC.”

The Dig is currently available to stream on Netflix.

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