After a shambolic 2020, the new year is providing us with a steady diet of regular new releases. We must, in part, thank Uncle Netflix for this, who continues to churn out new films on a weekly basis. The latest of which is The Dig.

Set on the eve of World War Two, this is the real life story of how a wealthy widow, Edith Pretty (played by Carey Mulligan) enlists the help of self-taught excavator, Basil Brown (played by Ralph Fiennes) to unearth these massive burial mounds on her estate.

If you had described the plot to me beforehand I would’ve said there’s a high probability I wouldn’t have been a fan of this film after watching. But life is full of surprises and I can’t even front, I really enjoyed this one.

I mean, watching people dig stuff up shouldn’t be that interesting, but yet it was.

The plot is simple yet finds a way to oscillate between charming and melancholic. When the burial site becomes a place of key interest to a number of parties, we get a motley crew of big and bold personalities involved in the excavation.

With a backdrop of war looming, people are at odds with one another about how to handle the site and, ultimately, what to do with what could be discovered there.

At the heart of this film is Basil (aka Mr Brown). He’s the loveable and kind uncle everyone wishes they had. You can’t describe his character without using the word nice; but he is the thread that connects everyone.

In reality we discover, Mr Brown never got the credit he deserved for his work. But, this film unapologetically thrusts him into the spotlight as the man of the moment – and rightly so. He’s a humble man, but one with unwavering loyalty and commitment towards people and his work.

Beyond Fiennes, however, this British ensemble are terrific and showed amazing chemistry. Carey Mulligan is probably one of the best actresses working today and Lily James appears to be in every film at the moment. Both elevated the film; with the former trying to manage the destiny of the findings whilst having personal health issues, and the latter being a young archaeologist who’s marriage is failing.

The young Archie Banes plays Edith’s son, Robert, and he gives one scene that had me bordering on tears. I tip my hat to this kid.

This was a gorgeous film to look at. Set in rural south East England, if this doesn’t inspire you to want to get out and explore more of England outside of London, I don’t know what will.

The cinematography was so on point, with mesmerising long shots and beautiful backdrops.

The Dig may be targeted towards a slightly more mature audience. But, I as a 24 year old, actually liked it a lot.

It’s something a bit different, and something worth a try.