‘Masterpiece’ Netflix period drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan leaves viewers ‘deeply touched’
Based on the extraordinary true story of the Sutton Hoo discovery, the 2021 film has been praised as ‘beautiful’, ‘inspiring’ and ‘moving’
A quiet historical drama starring two of Britain’s most celebrated actors has continued to captivate viewers with its remarkable true story, stunning countryside and deeply emotional performances.
THE DIG (L-R): CAREY MULLIGAN as EDITH PRETTY, RALPH FIENNES as BASIL BROWN. Cr. LARRY HORRICKS/NETF (Image: LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX © 2021 )
The Dig, released in 2021, tells the extraordinary story of the Sutton Hoo excavation — one of Britain’s most significant archaeological discoveries, which uncovered a buried Anglo-Saxon ship and an extraordinary collection of treasure on the eve of the Second World War.
The Netflix film stars Ralph Fiennes as self-taught archaeologist Basil Brown and Carey Mulligan as wealthy landowner Edith Pretty, whose decision to investigate the mysterious burial mounds on her Suffolk estate would lead to a discovery that changed the understanding of Anglo-Saxon history.
The film received a limited theatrical release on January 15, 2021, before arriving on Netflix worldwide on January 29. It quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched titles, reaching No. 3 during its debut weekend and remaining in Netflix’s Top 10 for several weeks.
Set against the growing threat of war, the story follows Brown as he begins excavating the burial mounds at Pretty’s estate. What initially appears to be a relatively modest archaeological project soon turns into something far more significant when the remains of an enormous Anglo-Saxon ship begin to emerge from the earth.
Rather than focusing solely on the archaeological discovery, the film also explores the complicated relationships between the people involved and the sense that they are racing against time as Britain edges closer to war.
Fiennes’ portrayal of Basil Brown has been particularly praised, with viewers highlighting the actor’s restrained performance as the largely self-taught excavator whose expertise was initially overlooked by more established archaeologists.
Mulligan, meanwhile, brings an emotional depth to Edith Pretty, a woman dealing with personal loss while witnessing an extraordinary piece of history being uncovered on her land.
The film was directed by Simon Stone and also features Lily James, Johnny Flynn and Ken Stott among its ensemble cast.
Critics were similarly impressed. The Dig holds an 88% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s consensus praising the performances of Fiennes and Mulligan alongside the film’s striking depiction of the English countryside.
But it was perhaps the emotional response from viewers that demonstrated the film’s lasting appeal.
One viewer described the story as moving and consequential, praising the performances from Mulligan, Fiennes and James and saying it was an “inspiring story.”
Another wrote that the film was “such a beautiful and moving film”, adding that although they already knew something about the Sutton Hoo discovery, the movie brought the story to life by focusing on the people behind the archaeological breakthrough.
For others, it was the atmosphere that made the film stand out.
One viewer praised its “brooding and evocative Suffolk landscape”, while another described it as a “very sad, deeply touching movie” filled with quiet moments and calming scenery.
The film also attracted considerable attention during awards season. The Dig was longlisted for nine BAFTA awards in February 2021, including Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Director, Leading Actor, Cinematography and Adapted Screenplay.
Although it may not have the explosive action or sweeping battles associated with many historical dramas, The Dig offers something considerably quieter — a story about discovery, mortality, human connection and a remarkable piece of history emerging from the ground just as Europe was heading towards war.
For anyone looking for a period drama that is atmospheric, beautifully acted and based on an extraordinary true story, viewers suggest The Dig is well worth uncovering.
The Dig is streaming on Netflix.