Disclosure Day drops you straight into the heart of the action. The first shot of the film is literally from a wrestler’s POV, as they are clotheslined to the mat. Not exactly what one would expect from a movie about the prospect of “what if we weren’t alone in the universe?”, but in a way, it is a perfect metaphor. The shock and imbalance felt by the audience is similar to how the world would feel if their entire existence were altered in a second.
The camera pulls back from the action in the ring to reveal Josh O’Connor’s Daniel Kellner in attendance, seemingly there to exchange clandestine information for the safe return of his partner Jane (Eve Hewson) from his former employer Wardex. Some quick-thinking and double-crossing later, and the two of them are on the run, and the chase begins. No lengthy set-up, no exposition. The audience fed the essential information as the film progresses, with Jane acting as their proxy.
Meanwhile in Kansas City, Emily Blunt’s KCXE TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (we don’t use the term Weathergirl anymore) is visited by a cardinal and suddenly starts speaking in multiple languages and can read people’s minds.
All the while, the mysterious Hugo (played with a calming, empathetic presence by Colman Domingo) orchestrates things from the shadows. Pulling the strings to bring the two protagonists together at just the right time. For what purpose? Well, you have to watch the film to find out.
And what a fun, thrilling ride it is. Few filmmakers balance telling a compelling story and delivering entertainment and action as well as Steven Spielberg. One of his greatest strengths is how he uses the frame and blocking characters within the camera to advance the story.
Whether it is a beautiful transition, edit, camera move, or a gag involving Fruit Loops, there are so many little touches of flair in this movie. It is quite clear that Spielberg still has the juice, and we are watching a master at work. Partnering with long-time collaborator and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, the two complement each other perfectly, waltzing together in perfect step and harmony. It is pure cinematic poetry in motion.
This is a movie that purposely takes its time. The pacing allows audiences time to sit with the film’s central thesis. It is not “do aliens exist?”, for that the answer to that question from Spielberg is very much a resounding “Yes”. Not just in this movie, but from much of his back catalogue. It is the only subject matter explored more often than divorce.
No, the film asks the question, “Would disclosing the truth bring humanity together? Or drive us further apart?”
“The truth is a virus from which humanity has zero immunity” argues Wardex executive Scanlon. In Scanlon, Colin Firth is given the best, and most dangerous, type of antagonist. One who not only believes that they are doing the right thing, but makes a very good argument that it is actually the correct course of action.
It is no coincidence that Spielberg chose this moment in time to make this film. The plan to disclose proof of alien life comes against the backdrop of an impending conflict involving multiple countries, i.e. World War III. If War of the Worlds was Spielberg’s way of processing the events of 9/11, this film is looking at a world more divided than ever. Examined through that lens are notions of faith and certainty. All of which would be put to the ultimate test by these extraterrestrial revelations.
“I don’t want to be anyone’s religion” screams Blunt, as the truth begins to dawn on Margaret about her role within all this. Speaking of reverence, Emily Blunt is not only an Oscar-nominated character actor but also a bona-fide movie star. Spielberg is arguably one of the greatest “movie star” directors. Not only elevating Blunt and O’Connor to new heights, but shining a spotlight on Eve Hewson.
Alien life has taken many forms though Spielberg’s lens. From E.T. to War of the Worlds and even, ahem, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, this film feels like a full circle moment for the director. If the five note melody from Close Encounters of the Third Kind was his prelude, then Disclosure Day is a fitting coda for his obsession with the extra terrestrial.
Full disclosure: Spielberg has provided irrefutable evidence of a UFO. An Unbelievable Filmic Observatory experience.
Disclosure Day is in cinemas from June 10
Rating: 
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo,
Runtime: 145 minutes
Country: USA
