The Dig is a historical drama film that was released in 2021 on Netflix. It is based on the novel of the same name by John Preston and is directed by Simon Stone. The film stars Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty, a wealthy widow living on her estate in Suffolk, England, who hires amateur archaeologist Basil Brown, played by Ralph Fiennes, to excavate the burial mounds on her property.
As Basil and his team begin to uncover the burial site, they make a historic discovery - the remains of a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon ship. The discovery attracts the attention of the British Museum and a team of archaeologists led by Charles Phillips, played by Ken Stott, who take over the excavation.
The discovery of the ship and its treasures become a symbol of Britain's past as the country prepares for the start of World War II. The tensions between the British Museum team and Basil's team, which includes Edith's young son Robert, played by Archie Barnes, reflect the class divisions of the time and the struggle between preserving history and serving the greater good of the nation.
The Dig is a poignant and beautifully filmed drama that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The performances by Mulligan and Fiennes are outstanding, and the supporting cast, which includes Lily James, Johnny Flynn, and Ben Chaplin, add depth to the story. The film's stunning visuals and evocative score create a sense of nostalgia and longing that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.