The Dig ★★★★

Simon Stone

Starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Ken Stott, Ben Chaplin

The Dig is about just that...a dig; carried out on the precipice of World War Two by an unassuming archaeologist for a wealthy widow. What happens next takes you on a journey through historical discovery in a world about to change.

This movie, just like Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) refuses to go at anyone else's pace but its own and is all the better for it. The opening act plays out beautifully, authentically and true to the time and the whole film was visually stunning. Although we have seen countless World War dramas, this one had a haunting and relevant quality as we watch the characters adapt their way of life due to major world events.

Fiennes has a great presence here too; you miss him when he's not on screen. His relationship with Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) is interesting and it was nice to see it not turn romantic as is often the case with these stories. Their chemistry alone was enough and held the plot together.

The final act sagged a little due to a love interest that is a little one dimensional and distracts the story (maybe they thought people wouldn't be interested in a two hour film that's just about archeology...they'd be wrong).

A picture about legacy and finding your place in the world. The Dig is one of those thoughtful weekend afternoon films to enjoy with a proper brew.

The Dig available now on Netflix