"Disclosure Day" Review: Steven Spielberg Finds Hope Among the Stars
Legendary director Steven Spielberg returns to familiar territory with “Disclosure Day”, a science fiction thriller that explores humanity’s relationship with the unknown. I never got around to reviewing the film after seeing it this past summer, but as they say, the time is now.
I enjoyed the film on my first viewing in glorious 70mm, but revisiting it a second time without that visual spectacle let me appreciate it even more. More importantly, I finally understood what Spielberg intended.
Written by David Koepp, who reunites with Spilerberg for the sixth time, “Disclosure Day” follows Kansas City meteorologist Margaret (Emily Blunt), whose unique experiences are connected to a larger mystery involving extraterrestrial life and government secrecy.
The impressive ensemble cast features Josh O’Connor as Dr. Daniel Kellner, a cybersecurity specialist and whistleblower; Colin Firth as Noah Scanlon, the head of Wardex Corporation; Eve Hewson as Jane Blankenship, a former religious novice and Daniel’s girlfriend; and Colman Domingo as Hugo Wakefield, the Director of Biological Assets at Wardex who becomes a defector and advocate for disclosure.
On the surface, “Disclosure Day” contains everything audiences expect from Spielberg: mysterious visitors, government conspiracies, breathtaking imagery, and ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. However, beneath the science fiction elements lies a surprisingly heartfelt message about empathy and our inability to communicate. That resonated with me during my second viewing.
Rather than presenting extraterrestrials as a threat humanity must defeat, Spielberg explores the possibility that their arrival could inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. In a world increasingly divided by politics, war, and mistrust, his optimism feels refreshing.
Blunt delivers another strong performance, grounding the film’s unusual premise with genuine emotion. O’Connor also deserves praise, while Firth brings an unsettling presence. Nevertheless, it’s Spielberg’s direction that remains the main attraction.
Longtime cinematographer Janusz Kamiński delivers gorgeous visuals, especially in sequences involving the sky and unexplained phenomena. John Williams’ score complements the imagery, though it lacks the instantly memorable themes of some earlier collaborations.
The film isn’t without flaws. The opening act takes its time establishing the characters, and some of Koepp’s dialogue feels overly focused on explaining the mythology. Additionally, certain narrative developments require a generous suspension of disbelief.
Still, those shortcomings bothered me considerably less the second time around. What initially seemed like another elaborate alien mystery gradually revealed itself as a modern fairy tale about understanding those who are different from us. Spielberg isn’t necessarily interested in answering whether we’re alone in the universe; he asks whether humanity can listen when faced with something beyond its understanding.
The emotional finale reinforces that message without completely abandoning the director’s trademark sentimentality.
My first viewing impressed me with its presentation, but my second reminded me why Spielberg remains one of cinema’s greatest storytellers. "Disclosure Day" may not rank among his masterpieces, but its message of compassion and hope feels particularly necessary today.
Final Grade: B
