The Dig is a 2021 British historical drama directed by Simon Stone, adapted from John Preston’s 2007 novel of the same name. Set against the tense backdrop of pre-war England in 1939, the film chronicles one of Britain’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries: the Sutton Hoo ship burial. With its restrained elegance, emotional nuance, and richly textured historical setting,The Dig offers a contemplative exploration of legacy, mortality, and the hidden depths of history beneath our feet.
Plot Summary
The narrative follows Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), a widowed Suffolk landowner, who enlists Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes), a self-taught archaeologist, to investigate the enigmatic burial mounds on her estate. Despite initial scepticism from the academic elite, Brown’s meticulous work uncovers the remains of an Anglo-Saxon ship and a trove of artefacts that reshape historical understanding of early medieval Britain.
As the excavation unfolds, the encroaching threat of World War II casts a shadow over the project. The film deftly interweaves the lives of supporting characters, including archaeologist Peggy Piggott (Lily James) and Edith’s young son Robert, delving into themes of personal revelation and the fleeting nature of existence.
Production
Filming took place primarily in Suffolk and Surrey, with select scenes shot near the actual Sutton Hoo site. Cinematographer Mike Eley employs natural light and expansive shots of the English countryside to evoke both the period’s atmosphere and the profound significance of the discovery. Stefan Gregory’s understated score complements the film’s reflective tone.
Notably, the production underwent casting changes – Carey Mulligan replaced Nicole Kidman, who was originally attached to play Edith Pretty.
Main Cast
- Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown – A humble yet fiercely knowledgeable excavator whose intuition leads to the groundbreaking find.
- Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty – A composed and introspective widow who champions the excavation despite her declining health.
- Lily James as Peggy Piggott – A young archaeologist navigating professional challenges and personal growth.
- Johnny Flynn as Rory Lomax – A fictional cousin of Edith, adding a romantic subplot.
- Ben Chaplin as Stuart Piggott – Peggy’s husband, an established archaeologist with a more traditional approach.
The True Story Behind The Dig
The 1939 Sutton Hoo excavation unearthed a 7th-century ship burial, likely belonging to King Rædwald of East Anglia, a discovery that revolutionised perceptions of early medieval England. Initially overlooked, Basil Brown’s contributions were later acknowledged as pivotal. Many artefacts, including intricate gold jewellery and weaponry, are now housed in the British Museum.
While the film remains largely faithful to the historical event, it introduces fictional elements, such as Rory Lomax and Peggy Piggott’s romantic arc, for dramatic effect.
Critical Reception
The Dig garnered largely favourable reviews:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87% approval
- Metacritic: 73/100
Critics lauded Fiennes’ and Mulligan’s performances, the film’s quiet emotional resonance, and its visual craftsmanship. Some, however, critiqued its measured pacing and the underdevelopment of secondary characters in the latter half.
Legacy
Though not a grandiose historical epic, The Dig has been celebrated for bringing the Sutton Hoo story to a wider audience. It underscores the human dimension of historical events while reflecting on memory, impermanence, and the marks we leave behind.
Since the film’s release, public interest in the Sutton Hoo site, now managed by the National Trust, has seen a notable resurgence.
Where to Watch
As a Netflix original, The Dig is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in most regions.
Watch the trailer:
