Disclosure Day Review
It should be no surprise that Steven Spielberg is a master of his craft. From the likes of Jaws to the Indiana Jones films to so many others, Spielberg’s films always entertain no matter what. That said, Spielberg’s attempts at doing science fiction films range from being whimsically exciting to being just a little bit mixed.
Of course, he’s proved he can dive into the genre with films like E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. However, his latest film, Disclosure Day, offers a modern thought-provoking narrative that winds in every which way. It’s as thrilling as it is uniquely challenging in answering the questions humanity has been obsessed with: what is the truth?
Disclosure Day brings Spielberg’s interstellar curiosity back to the table with a cat-and-mouse chase about humanity’s place in the universe. Two figures, the aspiring anchor Margaret (Emily Blunt) and socially exiled Daniel (Josh O’Connor), find themselves mysteriously connected to each other by unknown forces. Driven to find each other with the help of Daniel’s friend, Hugo (Colman Domingo), the two seek to uncover the truth about their new abilities and each other. However, the cold and brooding Scanlon (Colin Firth) plans to contain Margaret and Daniel before they can reveal the truth about non-human life to the public.
From this concept alone, many viewers may think that Disclosure Day will play out similarly to other Spielberg works like Close Encounters and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Given how the opening sees an intense standoff between Daniel and Scanlon occur, that view does have some weight to it. However, this film is strategically directed and written in a way that makes it stand on its own merits. The establishing exposition already shows this as Spielberg lays out this story in a world where World War III is on the brink of happening, climate change is taking effect, and everyone’s in a panic. Although some may say the basis is similar to such films, it’s the parallel storylines that make this film special.
How Spielberg decides to develop both Margaret and Daniel is quite intriguing, given the positions they’re in. Margaret’s storyline is much more in-line with the comedic hijinks Spielberg is known for as she tries to figure out how she connects with other people. Whenever she stares right into other characters’ eyes, she’s put in this weirdly hilarious trance that sees her instantly relaying who the other person is. She acts very much like an oracle-esque spokesperson, leading to some messy situations that add some fun. There’s one specific hospital scene where Margaret’s trying to escape her would-be captors, but her doubtful boyfriend (Wyatt Russell) that’s just chaotic enough to keep you hooked.
As for Daniel, Spielberg takes a much more philosophical, but still action-focused, direction with him and his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson). Although Daniel’s much more grounded in reality, that being recognizing alien life exists, Jane’s more religious background comes into conflict with Daniel’s. What results from these conflicting beliefs is a thoughtful debate about whether or not people can actually handle the influx of the truth. The way that their conversations are written are succinctly handled with empathy and understanding.
Jane wants to trust what Daniel’s doing, but his secretive nature and hesitancy to see if she can fully grasp the situation create some much needed tension, thanks to David Koepp’s writing. It feels like there’s this game of truths-and-lies being played out between both characters, which gets into some narratively painful territory when Scanlon tries to figure out where Daniel’s hiding. Those psychological interrogation scenes between Scanlon and Jane are also pretty intense to see as Jane’s faith truly gets tested.
As for the structure of Disclosure Day, it feels slightly repetitive as Daniel’s stuck being chased by Scanlon’s forces. Hugo calls in, every now and then, to remind these characters, as well as the audience that Margaret and Daniel are meant to be together. It’s occasional, but it can be a bit much, especially when the film transitions into that mind-boggling third act. The good news is that Spielberg keeps a heightened sense of urgency in the film as some of these shots do a good job intensifying the stakes.
That said, the final act that Spielberg’s laid out does initially feel confusing as you try to piece together the imagery that tricked the two leads to find each other. From the heavy presence of CGI animals, who have a thematic connection to Daniel’s ability, to Margaret’s “Hansel and Gretel”-esque dream that reveals much more, these elements try to make the film more complex. However, given how conversationally deep the dialogue of Disclosure Day is supposed to be, this final act feels somewhat hard to follow.
Disclosure Day proves itself as Steven Spielberg’s most challenging, yet insightful, film today, offering a unique perspective of humanity’s empathy through a thematically similar tone between Close Encounters and The X-Files.
Rating: ★★★⯪☆
Disclosure Day releases in theaters on June 12.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.