Disclosure Day has arrived in cinemas across the UK today, June 10, marking the latest cinematic offering from legendary director Steven Spielberg. Known for iconic films such as Jaws (1975), War of the Worlds (2005), Jurassic Park (1993), and Saving Private Ryan (1998), Spielberg's new sci-fi movie comes with high expectations.
Plot and Premise
The film centers on a 79-year cover-up of extraterrestrial existence on Earth. It follows a whistle-blower's attempt to disclose classified government files that prove humanity is not alone in the universe. The story explores themes of government conspiracy and the right of the public to know the truth about alien visitations.
Star-Studded Cast
The all-star cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson. Their performances are a major draw for audiences, but there are several key points to consider before watching.
Not a Sequel to Close Encounters
Despite online speculation, Disclosure Day is not a sequel to Spielberg's 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. While both movies involve aliens and government cover-ups, Spielberg himself clarified in an interview with Entertainment Weekly: 'It is not a sequel in any way, shape, or form to Close Encounters.' Confusion may have arisen from Emily Blunt's comment on Jimmy Kimmel that the film feels like a 'third act' alongside Close Encounters and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
Not an Alien Invasion Movie
Contrary to what trailers might suggest, Disclosure Day is not an alien invasion film. Unlike Spielberg's War of the Worlds or other invasion movies like Independence Day, this film focuses on humanity versus humanity rather than humanity versus aliens. It delves into the idea that UFO rumors, crop circles, and Area 51 are part of a massive conspiracy, questioning whether the world's 8 billion people deserve to know the truth about extraterrestrial visits.
A Slow-Burn Narrative
Viewers seeking immediate action may be disappointed. The film opens with a kidnapped woman returning to her partner, but the initial excitement quickly subsides, and the story takes time to develop. With a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, the slow pace may frustrate some, but it allows for the gradual unraveling of complex layers.
Mixed Critical Reception
Disclosure Day has received divisive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 84% rating, but five-star reviews are scarce. Robbie Collin of The Telegraph gave it 2/5 stars, stating, 'Spielberg has lost the plot... Disclosure Day is shot with all the director's signature elegance, but the plot is woolly and the tone a bungled mix of solemn and silly.' In contrast, Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent awarded 4/5 stars, calling it 'funny and sentimental with action that will leave you breathless.' Tori Brazier of Metro also gave 4/5, noting, 'Spielberg is too talented to produce a bad movie... but it is going to split audiences.' Nicholas Barber of the BBC, giving 2/5, described it as 'a drab X-Files episode' and 'the most disappointing film of the year.'
Overall, Disclosure Day is a thought-provoking film that challenges expectations but may not satisfy all viewers. Its slow pacing and mixed tone contribute to its status as one of Spielberg's most polarizing works.
