“Why would he make such a vast universe, yet only save it for us?”. The question for so many of us, has always been there. What would we do if we found out, like truly got confirmation, that we were not alone in the world? Think about it. Why did creation (however way you believe we began) result in such a large space to be explored, but only leave it to us on Earth? I believe it is such a brilliant idea and concept ready to explore in such a time where news like this could either break the planet further or perhaps bring us all together.
From the young me who watched E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) back in the early 2000s for the first time, under ten years old, I never could have imagined that now, 20 years later I would have attended a preview screening of Steven Spielberg’s latest film, nor be writing a review on the film itself. Back at my grandma’s cottage, watching E.T. on VHS tape, I now just witnessed a massive feat in alien cinema on the big screen at the BFI IMAX. Truly remarkable. Not only did I enjoy the film, I reflected upon just how lucky and full circle this moment has become.
Changing pace from his last film, a family drama, The Fabelmans (2022), Steven Spielberg is back with his love for aliens and science fiction. If you are aware of the genius of Spielberg and his work, things have changed since moving into the 2000s. His early works such as Jaws (1975), E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park (1993) reminds us all of movie magic, but some later films might not have been the greatest hits with audiences. Worry not, he brings back that fascination in Disclosure Day. While sadly a bit long at times, overall Spielberg brings us to the edge of our seats, holding our breaths, and wondering whether or not we are not alone in the universe out there.
It is the allurement that originally captured his audiences back with his creation Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Not magic in any sense, but imagination, wonder and lust. Just how vast the universe could possibly be, and thinking about how far and wide it spans. With Disclosure Day, Spielberg and Koepp bring us a new story to spark our imagination and curiosity. With the state of the world right now very few directors think to question it in their films anymore. Playing it safe is not in the cards for Spielberg thankfully and Disclosure Day provides just the right amount of provocative ideals for us to handle.
The world is on the brink of collapse as it would appear World War Three is upon us. Young Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) finds himself learning about a massive government conspiracy and must choose how to act. Along with the help of Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo) and others, they are in a race against time and against Noah Scanlon’s (Colin Firth) government crew, to do what is best for the human race. Complications arise as Kansas City weatherwoman, Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), becomes involved. A high speed chase in more sense than one and also the day of ultimate disclosure is upon us.
Disclosure Day begins and though we become fully immersed in the scene, it is a shock — to say the least — at where the story begins. But Spielberg and Koepp are true geniuses as the plot is a slow burn and reveals itself over time. They do not want us to know everything until just the right moments. While yes, I admit, I was most definitely confused quite a lot, I did find myself completely astounded by the end of that two hours and thirty minutes. As O’Connor’s role is the first introduced to us, it almost feels as though we will be brought back in time to explain how he got to where he is when the film begins, but the creatives keep us on our toes. From introducing the conspiracy to the audience with the help of Kellner to switching into the life of our weatherwoman Fairchild, each element and plot point is carefully conveyed.
In fact, even with Spielberg back to his roots in terms of adventure, science fiction and mystery, it is almost entirely in his casting choices where we find ourselves fully invested in this story. Name the cast and you have almost all Academy Award nominees, but that need not matter. When you watch Disclosure Day you do not see Blunt, O’Connor, Firth or Domingo. No, you see Fairchild, Kellner, Scanlon and Wakefield. As we are whisked away on this chase through time, with an ultimate goal, the core four are at the forefront of our journey and pleasure. We might not know whose goals are truly pure at heart, but without them we would not have the experience Disclosure Day brings us.
Blunt is perhaps at the height of her career in Disclosure Day. She has yet to have a full performance where she is allowed the chance to showcase her skills in the form of drama and suspense. But through Margaret Fairchild, Spielberg has provided her the time to shine. Set up as the vessel for the gift she has been granted, as Fairchild begins to remember and understand, we are given the chance to discover. She bestows the run of insanity as soon as a cardinal comes across her path. Not only is she going through highs and lows of anxiety, tension, and fear, but with Blunt’s performance and pure facial emotions, we as the viewer are taken with her. She gives us the chance to empathize with her character and diverge ourselves into Fairchild’s life.
Apart from the few moments where the CGI animals pull you out of the story, Disclosure Day is an immersive experience. Because when you combine Blunt’s performance and cast her alongside O’Connor, the two surprisingly hit it off together. Both of their characters have something different to bring to the screen and in their emotions and portrayals, we are taken on this journey to uncover the truth about the universe beyond our world.
Of course Disclosure Day is not Spielberg’s best, as nothing can top his earlier cinematic triumphs, but it takes us back to his beginnings as a director. Not only does it allow fans to reminisce on his older films, but it gives us the chance to see beyond planet earth. An intriguing tale and an adventure worth the wait, Disclosure Day opens in cinemas around the world beginning Wednesday, June 10th and expands further on Friday the 12th. No matter what you may believe, you will not know the truth until Disclosure Day comes for you. “There will be no other day like tomorrow.” Or for us audience members, there will be no other day like the day we watch Disclosure Day.
