- 2021
- PG-13
- Netflix
- 1 h 52 m
SummaryAs 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
The Dig
Metascore
Generally Favorable
73
User score
Generally Favorable
6.9
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
73
83% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
17% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jan 28, 2021
91
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.
Jan 21, 2021
87
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
6.9
68% Positive
73 Ratings
73 Ratings
26% Mixed
28 Ratings
28 Ratings
6% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
Mar 19, 2021
10
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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Feb 20, 2021
10
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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Jan 29, 2021
75
There are moments of emotion and triumph, especially during the sequences of discovery, but the mood overall is understated, quiet, thoughtful.
Jan 28, 2021
75
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.
Jan 13, 2021
70
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.
Jan 14, 2021
63
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.
Jan 30, 2021
42
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.
Feb 1, 2021
10
In love with this film! Overall a very well acted amazing storytelling, a heartfelt, emotional, powerful true to life story. Fave film this year!
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Oct 1, 2023
6
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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Jul 18, 2023
6
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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Feb 4, 2021
0
Don't watch the movie, Watch the short behind It instead. The movie is absolute garbage.
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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
