Tom Cruise's new movie scores his lowest Rotten Tomatoes score in almost a decade

The new film sees Cruise undergo extensive prosthetic makeup to become oil magnate Digger Rockwell, a character positioned as humanity’s reluctant savior after a catastrophic event. Despite a star‑studded ensemble that includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller and Emma D’Arcy, the picture has earned a middling 52 % on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers divided between praise for Cruise’s commitment and criticism of the narrative’s thinness. Positive notes from Empire’s Olly Richards and The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin commend the visual flair and audacious tone, while The Guardian, The Independent and Empire’s two‑star review condemn it as shallow and wasteful of talent. A handful of outlets, such as Time Out and Collider, still highlight moments of “bonkers” energy and a monologue that could earn Cruise Oscar buzz, underscoring the polarized reception.

The mixed response reflects a broader tension in Hollywood between blockbuster‑level star power and prestige‑driven storytelling. Cruise, traditionally associated with high‑octane franchises and practical stunts, is venturing into satirical territory—a move that aligns with Iñárritu’s reputation for daring, auteur‑centric projects like Birdman and The Master. However, the 52 % rating suggests that audiences and critics may be less forgiving when a marquee name steps outside his proven formula without a compelling script. In an era where Rotten Tomatoes scores can sway streaming deals and theatrical windows, a dip below the 60 % “fresh” threshold could affect the film’s ancillary revenue streams and its positioning in awards season conversations, especially as other prestige contenders dominate the same calendar.

Looking ahead, the film’s performance will likely influence studio calculus on pairing A‑list action stars with unconventional directors. If Digger’s box‑office returns mirror its critical split, studios may become more cautious about green‑lighting similar high‑risk, genre‑bending projects. Meanwhile, Cruise’s willingness to pursue an Oscar‑type role could keep him in the awards narrative, but sustained critical lukewarm reception might dampen his leverage for future prestige collaborations. Observers should watch the film’s domestic and international grosses, its streaming licensing terms, and any subsequent awards‑season momentum as indicators of whether the gamble pays off or prompts a strategic retreat.