The Dig

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 15, 2021 (UK), January 29, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Drama, History

Cast & Crew

• Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty
• Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown
• Lily James as Peggy Piggott
• Johnny Flynn as Rory Lomax
• Ben Chaplin as Stuart Piggott
• Ken Stott as Charles Phillips
• Monica Dolan as May Brown

Director
Simon Stone

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Daughter (2015)

Producer

• Gabrielle Tana
• Ellie Wood
• Murray Ferguson

Writer

• Moira Buffini (screenplay)
• Based on the novel by John Preston

Budget
Estimated at $10 million

Production Company

• Clerkenwell Films
• Magnolia Mae Films
• Netflix

Running Time
112 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Thematic elements of death and illness

Movie Story
“The Dig” is a historical drama that brings to life the remarkable true story of the 1939 Sutton Hoo excavation in Suffolk, England. The film centers on Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), a wealthy widow who owns the land where mysterious mounds have intrigued locals for years. With a sense of urgency driven by her declining health and the looming threat of World War II, Edith hires self-taught archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to investigate the site.

Basil, despite facing skepticism from the academic community and the British Museum, begins the dig and soon uncovers one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history: an Anglo-Saxon ship burial dating back to the 6th or 7th century. As the excavation progresses, the discovery of the ship and its treasure-laden grave sparks the interest of prominent institutions and scholars, leading to tensions over ownership and recognition.

Amidst the dig, the film delves into the personal lives of its characters, exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time. Edith, grappling with her own impending death, finds solace in the idea that the ancient artifacts she has uncovered will outlast her. The younger archaeologist Peggy Piggott (Lily James) also emerges as a central figure, struggling with her place in a male-dominated field and in a loveless marriage.

“The Dig” is a contemplative film that reflects on the connections between past and present, the importance of history, and the human desire to leave a mark on the world. The interactions between the characters are filled with subtle emotion, and the film’s pacing allows the audience to fully appreciate the gravity of the discoveries being made, both in the ground and within the characters themselves.

Special Effects
The film relies more on its stunning cinematography and authentic period details than on special effects. The excavation scenes are meticulously recreated, with attention to the tools, techniques, and challenges faced by the archaeologists of the time. The visual depiction of the Sutton Hoo landscape, along with the evocative score, helps to immerse the viewer in the world of 1930s England, emphasizing the historical significance of the find.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix Original, “The Dig” was released on the streaming platform and had a limited theatrical run in the UK. While it didn’t have a traditional box office performance, the film was well-received by critics and audiences, praised for its performances, particularly those of Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan, and for its thoughtful approach to a historical narrative.

Filming Locations

• Surrey, England, UK
• Suffolk, England, UK
• Shackleford, Surrey, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “From the first human handprint on a cave wall, we’re part of something continuous.” – Edith Pretty
• “We die, but we don’t all die at once.” – Basil Brown

Behind-the-Scenes
“The Dig” was adapted from the novel by John Preston, which fictionalizes the events of the Sutton Hoo excavation. The production took great care to ensure historical accuracy, with many scenes shot on location in the English countryside, close to where the actual dig took place. The film’s production design and costumes were meticulously crafted to capture the era, adding to the film’s authenticity and immersive quality.

Awards

• BAFTA Award Nomination: Outstanding British Film
• BAFTA Award Nomination: Best Costume Design
• Critics’ Choice Award Nomination: Best Production Design

Final Verdict
“The Dig” is a beautifully crafted historical drama that resonates with its quiet strength and reflective storytelling. The film is anchored by powerful performances from Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, who bring depth and humanity to their roles. While the film is slow-paced, it rewards viewers with a richly textured narrative that explores themes of history, legacy, and the human connection to the past. It’s a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those interested in archaeology.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10