Digging for Fire

Digging for Fire is a 2015 independent drama film directed by Joe Swanberg. The film stars Jake Johnson and Rosemarie DeWitt as a married couple, Tim and Lee, who find a bone and a gun while house-sitting for one of Lee's clients. The discovery prompts Tim to head out with his friends for a weekend of digging, while Lee stays behind to take care of their young son.

The movie was co-written by Swanberg and Johnson, and features a star-studded cast including Orlando Bloom, Jenny Slate, Anna Kendrick, and Brie Larson. The film received generally positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising the performances and the realistic exploration of marriage and infidelity.

The opening scene of the movie sets the mood of Digging for Fire: Tim and Lee are holding a married life of communication issues and are generally feeling unfulfilled. They locate a bone and a rusted revolver in their backyard and decide the finding will be something to vent their respective frustrations. While Lee stays behind with their son, Jude, Tim invites his buddies to join him in unearthing possible evidence of buried treasure.

Assembling a ragtag crew of fellow dads including Ron Livingston and Sam Rockwell, Tim sets out to dig up the backyard to see if there's a legendary stash of coins buried beneath the shrubbery. The weekend away from Lee and their little boy is a much-needed break for him as he seems to be growing restless with his life, his marriage, and his career goal of becoming an actor. The weekend digs and activities serve as his escape mechanism and allows him to reflect on his life.

All the while, Lee is left to fend for herself back at the house while taking care of their child, Jude. Her adventures consist of late-night parties with other moms, reconnecting with an old flame, and generally trying to keep her head above water while Tim is away. Through Lee, the movie showcases the plight of a caregiver and mother who desires to have a more fulfilling life.

Over the course of the film's runtime, the couple's respective excursions highlight their dishonesty, marital shortcomings, and creative desires. Both of them are trying to reconcile their marriage, find purpose, and do what is best for their family. However, it is evident that the distance taken around each other is gradually increasing.

The film isn't just about Tim and Lee. It's also an exploration of marriage, parenting, and fulfillment. The supporting cast, which includes Orlando Bloom, Jenny Slate, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, and Chris Messina, provides an additional layer to the story. Each actor brings something unique to the table and enhances the depth of the storytelling.

The film's pace is undoubtedly slow, here some might argue that it is too sluggish. But, it adds to the overall calm of the movie, making it a worthy watch. There are no grand revelations in the movie, and it isn't action-packed; however, it provides a lens into the kinds of deeply human problems that don't have easy solutions or conclusions. Its honest portrayal of a modern-day marriage, parenting, and self-discovery makes it stand-out amongst its peers.

In summary, Digging for Fire cleverly examines family life, parenthood and navigating married life. The film's exploration of each person's journey makes for compelling viewing. The star-studded cast provides exceptional performances under the steady direction of Joe Swanberg. It is a slow-burn, but the thoughtful movie's ambience and performances make it a film that deserves a watch.