Steven Spielberg returns to the realm of extraterrestrials in his latest film, “Disclosure Day,” but the results are less than stellar.
Since its teaser aired during the Super Bowl last winter, many have been left pondering the essence of this film. The answer may disappoint: it revolves around individuals striving to publicly unveil evidence of human interaction with aliens. In this endeavor, Spielberg embraces a softer approach, reminiscent of his work in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.”
While the film possesses undeniable qualities typical of Spielberg, it ultimately failed to resonate with me.
The narrative plunges straight into action without much introduction. In Washington D.C., Daniel Kellner, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, is a cybersecurity expert who has illicitly obtained a trove of classified information from his NGO employer. In a retaliatory move, his CEO, played by Colin Firth, kidnaps his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson) as leverage. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, a cardinal unexpectedly descends upon TV weather forecaster Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), prompting her to speak Russian at home. Soon after, she loses her ability to communicate verbally, instead emitting enigmatic clicking sounds. Unbeknownst to each other, the duo must evade their captors and unite, aided by a viral video showing Margaret having a seizure during a live broadcast.
One can’t help but think that the film would have thrived had Spielberg crafted it in the 1990s, with Agents Mulder and Scully at the forefront, exposing hidden truths. The film’s narrative hinges on archival footage of aliens landing in Roswell in 1947, which Daniel’s company has been tasked with concealing. This well-trodden lore may contribute to the film’s lack of thrill. Spielberg’s prior alien-themed stories, whether whimsical like “E.T.” or ominous like “War of the Worlds,” thrive on the uncertainty surrounding extraterrestrial intentions.
However, the film shines during its chase sequences. A standout moment occurs at a railroad crossing when antagonists force Daniel and Margaret’s vehicle toward an oncoming train, showcasing Spielberg’s long-standing desire to create such tension. These high-stakes moments are complemented by character interactions, such as a humorous scene where Margaret attempts to destroy her smartphone by having her musician boyfriend (Wyatt Russell) run over it, only for him to miss the target. Russell offers much-needed comic relief amidst the chaos, while Blunt delivers a commendable performance, revealing repressed childhood memories through brushes with peril.
Yet, each time Spielberg seeks to evoke emotion, the film falters. The introduction of superpowers stemming from alien technology feels clichéd, particularly since Margaret already possesses extraordinary abilities. A scene where she and Daniel evade armed mercenaries by appearing as the soldiers’ loved ones borders on absurdity. Additionally, Jane’s struggle to reconcile her faith with the existence of extraterrestrials feels underdeveloped, and the actual appearance of a tangible alien detracts from the narrative. Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski attempts to infuse a sense of wonder with golden halos, but to little effect.
It’s clear that Spielberg aimed to craft a film filled with warmth and optimism, showcasing humanity’s best qualities in the face of first contact. While this intention is commendable, similar themes were effectively explored in “Project Hail Mary” just months prior, without resorting to heavy-handedness or pandering. Regrettably, “Disclosure Day” emerges as a notably minor entry in Spielberg’s impressive filmography.
Disclosure Day
Starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Written by David Koepp. Rated PG-13.
