It's not every day that a movie arrives on Netflix - or on any platform, for that matter - featuring a story that took place just down the road from where you live... well, where I live, anyway. But that is exactly the case with 'The Dig', a movie that explores the excavation of an important Anglo-Saxon burial site on the eve of World War 2.
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In 1939, Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) hires local excavator and amateur archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to investigate a series of possible burial mounds on her property at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. What they uncover soon draws the attention of the British Museum, and they must fight to maintain control of their discovery.
First off, it's important to note that 'The Dig' isn't based on a true story in the usual sense, it's based on the novel that is based on the real event. So as a depiction of a history, it's not exactly accurate. In fact it might be better to describe this as a work of fiction surrounding a real discovery. All of which does seem a little odd, surely the story of the actual dig and those involved is incredible enough - the now famous helmet found at this site is synonymous with the history of Great Britain. And yet, this fictional approach never seems to detract from the enjoyment that the movie brings. 'The Dig' is one of those movies that is perfect for a Sunday afternoon, a sedate yet engaging drama centred around a significant archaeological discovery, and one that takes in the beauty of our little island. Suffolk residents (me included) will undoubtedly get a kick out of hearing all the familiar place names and the unmistakable accent - even if Surrey is standing in for Suffolk.
Director Simon Stone takes us back to a time when trouble was on the horizon and certain priorities were emerging, of which archaeology was not high on the list. To do so, Stone has tapped a wealth of great British actors, all of whom deliver charming yet reserved performances that accurately reflect how people were back in 1939. Through Mrs Pretty and Mr Brown's struggles we are reminded of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" attitude that helped get us through some pretty dark days - an attitude that lately we seem to be slightly lacking - as they attempt to complete this mammoth undertaking without the resources it deserves. Add to that some magnificent production design and we are able to appreciate just how much of a mammoth task a dig like this really is. The burial mound and all that is hidden within have been beautifully recreated in a way that allows audiences to see the layers peeled back as more and more of this incredible find is uncovered.
Running through this story of archaeology however, is an underlying theme of time, and having enough of it. The dig team are under constant pressure to complete their work, either because of other archaeologists - who showed no previous interest in the site - circling like vultures, or the very uncooperative (and accurately depicted) British weather. Even without the excavation of a burial site, 'The Dig' is a powerful reminder of the finality of life. Carey Mulligan masterfully portrays a woman and mother plagued with the loss of her husband and health worries of her own. You can't help but empathise with her as she tries to raise her son, and oversee the excavation, whilst also bearing the weight of her failing health. And over all this looms the shadow of the second world war.
'The Dig' is a perfect movie for a relaxing afternoon on the sofa. A charming tale of local history has been brought to life. And thanks to the flawless performances and some incredible production design, we are reminded of what we are capable of, even in desperate times.
8/10
'The Dig' is available on Netflix.
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