Steven Spielberg Returns to Science Fiction! Our META Review of Disclosure Day

"What if you found out that we're not alone?" This question is at the heart of "Disclosure Day" – the thriller that marks Steven Spielberg's return to the science fiction genre. Find out what the legendary director brings to this familiar premise and what we and others think of his latest film in KinoCheck's META movie review.

Here's what it's about

A whistleblower (Josh O'Connor) and his girlfriend (Eve Hewson) steal classified documents from a mysterious cybersecurity firm. A weather reporter (Emily Blunt) suddenly starts making completely strange noises on live TV. And a corporate executive (Colin Firth) tries everything to cover up the truth. The main characters in "Disclosure Day" are drawn into one of the greatest mysteries in human history. But who has the right to know about extraterrestrial life? We don't want to give away any more of the plot at this point. You can get a sense of it here with the trailer:

Spielberg Returns to Science Fiction

One thing was clear from the start: "Disclosure Day" is a classic Spielberg film in terms of theme. It is his fifth film to deal with extraterrestrial life. Previously, he directed "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "War of the Worlds," and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

For this project, he assembled a familiar team. The screenplay was written by his longtime creative partner David Koepp ("Jurassic Park"). The score was composed by the now 94-year-old (!) John Williams.

What can you expect from Disclosure Day?

But what kind of movie is it? You should prepare yourself for a true sci-fi thriller. Film critic David Ehrlich from IndieWire sums it up aptly: The film has more in common with "Minority Report" than with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." "Disclosure Day" is less like "E.T." and more like a classic paranoia thriller. A large-scale conspiracy, protagonists on the run from a powerful corporation, and the attempt to bring a big secret to the public. These are all ingredients of a typical conspiracy thriller.

Steven Spielberg!

"Disclosure Day" pulls off the blend of sci-fi and thriller quite well. The chase sequences play a major role in the plot and deliver some standout moments. No one should doubt that Spielberg, even at 79 years old, remains capable of crafting thrilling action and suspense. Dynamic camera work and expertly staged set pieces keep the momentum high throughout. At the same time, Spielberg establishes a captivating atmosphere from the very beginning, drawing viewers into the mystery and never letting go.

One performance takes center stage

The cast is strong across the board, but one performance has received particular praise from critics: Emily Blunt. Blunt has a demanding role to master. Blunt is tasked with carrying some of the film's most demanding material, balancing emotional depth with moments of humor – and she pulls it off. YouTuber Jeremy Jahns also has many words of praise for the actress.

"Emily Blunt, the absolute star in this film. [...] We know she's great, but when I was watching I was like: Yeah, there's a reason why she's a star."

The Dream Team: Williams and Spielberg

Another strength of the film is John Williams' fantastic score. The Hollywood legend finds exactly the right tone for Spielberg's story. That should come as no surprise, considering the two have been working together for more than five decades. The music in "Disclosure Day" isn't as omnipresent or catchy as some of his most popular scores, such as those for "Indiana Jones" or "Jurassic Park." Instead, it leans into the film's sense of mystery while still delivering emotional power when the story demands it.

What Critics Are Saying

In terms of the film's substance, there are both positive and negative critical responses. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com is enthusiastic about Spielberg's vision:

"A movie that reminds viewers that blockbusters can be morally and thematically complex while they're entertaining the hell out of you."

But Spielberg hasn't won everyone over. Ed Potton of The Times writes:

"It's just Spielberg badly rehashed, poorly reheated, lukewarm and with extra treacle."

We view "Disclosure Day" much more positively, but we also acknowledge that it is not without its flaws. You definitely have to engage with the premise and accept it. The alien theme isn't always as interesting (or new) as it might have been. In doing so, Spielberg perhaps draws a bit too heavily on popular conspiracy myths. But ultimately, the film is less interested in the alien theme. Rather, it attempts to explore how people act and react – and that is the more compelling focus.

Conclusion

Overall, "Disclosure Day" has received a predominantly positive reception from the press. At the time of writing, the film holds a score of 74/100 on Metacritic and an 84% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And we, too, are impressed by Spielberg's new film!

Our verdict: "Disclosure Day" is an atmospheric and thrillingly staged sci-fi thriller with a compelling performance by Emily Blunt and plenty of suspenseful set pieces. Its strengths outweigh its narrative shortcomings and make for a thoroughly engaging experience.

But see for yourself: "Disclosure Day" opens in theaters on June 12. We hope you enjoy it!