The Dig

In the lush English countryside of Suffolk, 1939, Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes), a self-taught archaeologist with an insatiable thirst for discovery, arrives at the grand estate of Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan). She has summoned him to investigate and excavate the sprawling burial grounds on her property, featuring towering mounds that have long piqued her curiosity. Initially, Brown declines Edith's offer, citing a meager salary that fails to match his expectations from his museum job. However, after a chance encounter with her young son, Robert (Archie Banes), and a subsequent offer from the estate's chauffeur, he agrees to begin work on Monday.

As Brown and Robert commence their archaeological endeavors, they are visited by representatives from Ipswich Museum, Brown's former employer. These skeptics seem dismissive of the project's significance, urging Edith to recall Brown to work on a more prestigious Roman villa excavation. Undeterred, Brown remains convinced that the burial grounds hold secrets worth uncovering and is granted permission to choose which path to pursue. Despite his colleagues' insistence that he match their new salary, Brown decides to continue exploring the mysterious mounds.

Meanwhile, Edith struggles with her own personal demons, still reeling from the loss of her husband. A health scare prompts her doctor's warning to ease her worries and reduce her stress levels. As Edith navigates this turbulent period, she finds solace in conversations with Brown about the wonders of archaeology.

Tragedy strikes when a section of the dig site collapses on Brown, leaving him severely injured. The estate's staff springs into action, working tirelessly to excavate Brown from the rubble. Edith herself plays a crucial role, performing CPR with precision and dedication until Brown is finally resuscitated. In the aftermath, Edith inquires about any revelations Brown may have experienced during his near-death ordeal. With a mix of wonder and humility, Brown reveals that he was reminded of his grandfather, sparking a renewed sense of purpose within him.

As the dust settles, Brown hastens back to the dig site, driven by an insatiable curiosity. He re-examines the initial mound Edith had chosen for excavation, now suspecting it may hold secrets worth uncovering. This poignant turning point marks the beginning of a profound journey for both Brown and Edith, as they delve deeper into the mysteries of their estate's ancient past.

As the archaeological significance of the site becomes increasingly apparent, Brown's team uncovers a hidden ship within the mound, hinting at the presence of a revered warrior or king. Edith's astute instincts are vindicated, and she is joined by Brown in marveling at this extraordinary discovery. Meanwhile, the stakes are heightened as Brown, now the sole custodian of the dig, must navigate the impending arrival of the men from Ipswitch Museum, who seek to claim the site for themselves.

In a surprising twist, Edith's cousin Rory Lomax (Johnny Flynn) arrives at the estate, bringing with him his wife May (Monica Dolan), whom Brown has been unknowingly corresponding with through letters. As a result, Brown is forced to cancel his dinner plans with Edith and instead spends the evening reuniting with May, leaving their earlier arrangements in disarray.

Against the backdrop of looming World War II, Edith faces a personal crisis when she learns that her childhood bout of rheumatic fever has left her with irreparable heart damage. With the threat of another potentially fatal attack looming large, her once-bright prospects seem shrouded in uncertainty. As tensions rise at the dig site, Brown must intervene to prevent the National Museum from taking control, citing its national interest and claiming Edith's services as part of its mandate.

With a sense of urgency, Brown hastens to inform Edith about the discovery of a possible burial chamber within the ship, prompting her to grapple with the gravity of the situation. Her health woes having taken center stage, she is left feeling powerless in the face of the museum's impending takeover. Brown urges her to stand firm against this encroachment on their work, but Edith's resolve has been shaken by the revelation about her fragile state.

As Edith's unwavering dedication to preserving history becomes evident, she firmly asserts her intention to retain Brown on the project, prompting Phillips to unleash a barrage of condescending orders, replete with petty restrictions that belittle Brown's abilities. In essence, Phillips views Brown as an amateur unworthy of the esteemed endeavor, prohibiting him and Rory from even setting foot on the ship. Dejected by his perceived lack of recognition for his potential contributions, Brown departs, bidding a farewell to Robert before being chased down by the determined young archaeologist on his bicycle. Back at home, May's words of encouragement serve as a catalyst for Brown's return, as he arrives unexpectedly at the dig site, much to Edith and Rory's surprise.

Meanwhile, Phillips attempts to bolster his team with the addition of husband-and-wife duo Peggy (Lily James) and Stuart Piggott (Ben Chaplin), whose arrival is marked by Peggy's initial disappointment upon discovering that her work has not been thoroughly reviewed. Rather, she was recruited solely for her physical attributes, which render her well-suited to excavate the lighter areas of the site. As fate would have it, Peggy inadvertently steps into a section of the dig site, prompting Edith and herself to engage in conversation. During their exchange, Peggy confides that they arrived straight from their vacation, lacking suitable attire, and Edith kindly lends her some of her own garments.

When a sudden downpour forces the team to forfeit an entire day's work, Edith takes the opportunity to confront Phillips about his apparent disregard for Brown's exceptional abilities. Phillips, however, remains resolute in his assertion that Brown lacks the necessary qualifications, prompting Edith to label his attitude nothing short of snobbish. Undeterred, she decides to task Brown with continued work on the site.

The Piggotts' marriage is also undergoing a subtle yet palpable strain, as Peggy's efforts at intimacy are met with Stuart's consistent avoidance. One morning, she sets off for the dig without him, prompting Stuart to grumble about being late. As the days pass, it becomes increasingly clear that Stuart harbors a secret – one that he attempts to conceal behind a façade of flirtation with another man on the site.

As tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface, Peggy's perseverance is rewarded when she locates and uncovers the first undeniably Anglo-Saxon artifact. Brown, meanwhile, discovers an ancient coin that serves as definitive proof of his initial suspicions. As Phillips presses for the prompt transportation of these significant findings to London, Edith's pragmatism prevails, leading her to instruct Brown to instead transport them to the safety of their home, much to Phillips' bewilderment.

As the days unfold, Peggy and Rory find themselves growing closer, their bond strengthened by shared experiences and mutual respect. Meanwhile, Stuart's decision to remove some of the artifacts from the dig site sparks an awkward confrontation with Peggy, who is left feeling uneasy about her role in the excavation. Edith, ever the gracious hostess, invites Peggy to stay at the house, where she joins the others in celebrating Rory's acceptance into the Royal Air Force.

As news of their discovery spreads, the public's interest in the shipwreck increases exponentially, much to Phillips' chagrin. In a shocking turn of events, an Air Force plane crashes into the nearby water, sending shockwaves through the group. Edith issues a stern warning against swimming, but Rory, fueled by his sense of duty and adrenaline, dives into the treacherous currents to rescue the pilot. Despite his valiant efforts, the pilot succumbs to his injuries, leaving the group reeling.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Peggy and Rory share a poignant moment that teeters on the brink of romance, but ultimately ends with Peggy's poignant declaration of abstinence. The stakes are heightened further when Robert confides in Edith about his concerns for Rory's safety, wondering aloud if he will meet the same fate as the pilot.

Meanwhile, Phillips' mind is consumed by the impending question of ownership regarding the treasures unearthed at the site, while Stuart returns bearing flowers for Peggy and unwittingly stumbles upon a somber revelation: Rory has received his orders to report for duty. As the gravity of this news sets in, Edith offers words of comfort, urging Rory to stay alive for Robert's sake.

As the sun sets on the estate, a jubilant crowd gathers to revel in the momentous discovery, and Edith (Edith) proudly claims credit for the finding, attributing it to the tireless efforts of Brown. The subsequent inquiry into the artifacts confirms that Edith is the rightful owner, prompting tears of joy and relief. Brown, however, remains unfazed, offering a poignant reminder that even as all things perish, our legacies can endure.

Meanwhile, Peggy (Peggy) becomes overwhelmed with emotion as she gazes at Rory's photographs from the dig site, her sadness only temporarily assuaged by Edith's consoling presence. Phillips' concerns about Edith's intentions for the treasure are met with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, as various museums begin to jostle for position in securing the artifacts.

Amidst this whirlwind of activity, Edith makes a surprising announcement: she intends to gift the treasure to the British Museum, a decision contingent upon proper recognition being afforded Brown's contributions. This bold move sends shockwaves through the community, and Peggy finds herself grappling with her own personal demons, ultimately ending her relationship with Stuart.

As tensions escalate on the eve of war's declaration, Edith, Brown, and Robert (Robert) take to the dig site under the star-filled sky, their camaraderie a testament to the power of shared experience. And yet, even as they bask in each other's company, the specter of conflict looms large.

In the aftermath, Robert stands alone on the now-abandoned dig site, bidding farewell to Brown as the world hurtles toward chaos. Years later, the treasure is safely hidden away, only to resurface nine years after Edith's passing. It is then that the true significance of Basil Brown's work is finally recognized, his name etched alongside Edith's in the museum's permanent display – a poignant testament to the enduring legacy of their partnership.