There have been plenty of films where the performance of the star overshadowed the film itself. That almost seems to be the plan with Digger, which built all of its first marketing campaigns around star Tom Cruise, and his history on the silver screen. And it turns out that is for good reason.

The film comes from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who has delivered some challenging and unique films in the past. This film fits that mold well and may well be the starring vehicle needed to propel its star into the Oscar conversation.

The film defies description in some ways. It focuses on Digger Rockwell (Cruise), an oil tycoon whose empire is built on mining in the far reaches of the globe. But that work isn’t without its challenges to both himself and the planet. And when one of those challenges reaches its breaking point, it sets off a chain reaction.

Unable to control it with his team, Digger is forced to inform the President (John Goodman). That leaves a select group of politicians and oligarchs to decide the fate of the world. Can they come up with a plan in time?

There are some twists here, which won’t be a surprise to those who’ve seen Iñárritu’s films in the past. This is no exception. What you think you’re watching at the outset morphs into something else. There is a story built on a story that layers into something even more unique by the end. All of it is in service of some big ideas and big performances that are likely to stick with audiences.

The film is an impressive accomplishment. The visuals and the layered narratives, the sprawling cast, and the vision to put it all together. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen recently, and it certainly makes an impression.

The most impressive part is inarguably Cruise and his work as Digger. It’s an impressive and layered performance that dominates the screen. You can’t take your eyes off him and this larger-than-life figure he’s helped create.

I just wish it was all in service of a project I liked better. I appreciate that Iñárritu likes to take big swings. Sometimes those swings hit. Sometimes, like with The Revenant, I appreciate the craft and effort, but I don’t connect with the final result. That’s the case with Digger.

The story is a big swing. It’s a choice and it relies on buying into some twists. I couldn’t get there. I liked the way it was approached, the craft, and Cruise. But I ultimately couldn’t connect with the narrative or figure out what exactly the film is trying to say.

That leaves Digger as a film that will likely polarize audiences. It could also polarize award voting bodies. It’s hard to deny the work by Cruise and the craft that’s gone into the film. But if you don’t buy into the narrative, it can’t soar to the appropriate heights.

Digger is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.