DIRECTOR: Simon Stone
WRITERS: Moira Buffini (Screenplay), John Preston (Novel)
STARRING: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James and Ben Chaplin
Netflix continues their quest to release a constant barrage of fabulous films, including this latest biography, featuring a couple of Academy award nominated actors, and a storyline that keeps evolving throughout, as just when you think this story true story is almost through, hold on a minute, as now it seems, it’s really just getting started…
As we venture into the life of wealthy widower Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), and as the threat of World War II looms over England, she has sequestered amateur Archeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes), in hopes of convincing him to excavate what she feels might be significant burial grounds on her property. As the days fly by, it seems that Mr. Brown isn’t finding anything of significance in the spot he has decided to start his excavating at, but when he decides to follow Mrs. Pretty’s intuition and move to a larger burial mound, it seems that there is most definitely treasure in them hills, and from a very long, long, time ago…
As Brown keeps his nose to the grindstone, uncovering a large ship that he is hoping will contain many more hidden treasures, the British Historical Museum Curators have converged upon the site, wanting to take it over, bringing with them many experts to confirm what Brown has found, including the very talented Stuart Piggott (Ben Chaplin) and his beautiful wife Peggy (Lily James), to assist in this significant find.
Now, as the threat of War increases, and the excavation continues practically around the clock, it seems that there are many issues coming to light, including the fact that only Mrs. Petty is giving Mr. Brown the credit he deserves for this find, and his expertise. And now, as it seems that the lives of everyone working on this project, for one reason or another, hang in the balance, they must all come together to decide exactly what to do with their discovery, before the Germans converge on the dig, and discover everything they’ve found…
Talk about a beautifully crafted film in every way, THE DIG mixes beautiful cinematography with wonderful performances, and a storyline that does what few films manage to do, pick up steam as it goes. Carey Mulligan is splendid as the wealthy widower, with a keen sense of the unknown, as she struggles with the loss of her husband, and her own mortality along the way too. If you were fortunate enough to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN this year, you literally won’t believe that this is the same actress who played in that role, although I can assure you, it totally is! Ralph Fiennes also gives a note-worthy performance as the Excavator and amateur Archeologist who works tirelessly on Mrs. Pretty’s behalf. Then when you throw in all the other good performances, including Lily James’ small, but pivotal role, you end with one fascinating biographical feature, which brings one incredible discovery to light.
THE DIG STREAMS ON NETFLIX Starting TODAY, Friday January 29, 2021, and you can also catch it at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinema in St. Louis
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 