Disclosure Day Review Missing Spielberg Magic

Movie: Disclosure Day Rating: 2.5/5 Banner: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainments Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo and others Music By: John Williams DOP: Janusz Kaminski Editor: Sarah Broshar Producer: Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg Directed by: Steven Spielberg Release Date: June 12, 2026

Steven Spielberg returns to the subject of extraterrestrials with Disclosure Day, arriving decades after his beloved 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Let’s dive in and explore what this new alien story has in store for audiences.

Story: Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert who discovers hidden evidence that governments and a powerful organization have concealed extraterrestrial contact for decades.

On the run, he crosses paths with Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), a news anchor whose strange psychic abilities are tied to a childhood alien encounter.

As they uncover a vast conspiracy, they are pursued by forces led by Noah ( Colin Firth) determined to keep the truth secret.

Together, Daniel and Margaret reveal proof of alien existence to the world, triggering global upheaval.

In the film’s climax, humanity receives a mysterious message from an extraterrestrial visitor, but that is not revealed.

Performances: Emily Blunt delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability, determination, and wonder as Margaret confronts extraordinary revelations and personal mysteries.

Josh O’Connor anchors the narrative with intensity and conviction, portraying Daniel as a principled whistleblower navigating danger and truth.

Colin Firth brings gravitas and quiet menace to Noah Scanlon, crafting a sophisticated antagonist driven by secrecy and control.

Eve Hewson lends warmth and emotional depth to Jane, making her a grounding presence amid escalating conspiracies.

Colman Domingo commands attention as Hugo Wakefield, delivering a charismatic, passionate portrayal of a man devoted to disclosure.

Wyatt Russell brings charm and sincerity to Jackson, portraying a supportive partner whose presence adds subtle humor.

Technical Aspects Janusz Kamiński’s cinematography blends visual grandeur with intimacy, capturing both action episodes and narrative mood with striking elegance.

Sarah Broshar’s editing maintains a steady rhythm, balancing suspense, character development, but still the initial part felt sluggish.

John Williams’ score elevates the film with emotional resonance, blending mystery, awe and hope in a characteristically memorable fashion.

Highlights: Intriguing Premise Action Episodes Positive Alien Perspective Engaging Conflict and Crisis Sequences

Drawbacks: Shallow Exploration of Ideas Inconclusive Narrative Missing Spielberg Signature Underwhelming Climax and Payoff

Analysis: Disclosure Day is built around the premise that some powers have concealed the truth about extraterrestrial life and its interactions with humans for nearly 79 years.

With recent public discussions about UFOs and comments from American President Donald Trump on the subject, the film coincidentally resonates with contemporary debates and current affairs.

The narrative presents aliens in a largely positive light. Rather than depicting them as hostile invaders, the film suggests that they carry an important message for humanity and may even contribute to human progress.

According to the story, contact with these beings has the potential to unlock higher intellectual and spiritual dimensions within human beings. However, powerful interests work to suppress this knowledge, keeping both the extraterrestrials and the truth about them hidden from the wider world.

While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat shallow.

The film unfolds in a blend of mysticism and science fiction, often prioritizing atmosphere and ideas over dramatic depth.

Several concepts are introduced but not explored with sufficient clarity or conviction. As a result, the narrative raises interesting questions without providing equally satisfying answers. The conclusion, in particular, feels inconclusive and leaves many of its central themes unresolved.

Surprisingly, the film lacks the distinctive emotional and storytelling signature often associated with Steven Spielberg. Instead, it frequently feels as though Spielberg is attempting to emulate the style of Christopher Nolan, with its emphasis on grand concepts, layered mysteries and intellectual puzzles.

However, the emotional warmth and sense of wonder that characterized many of Spielberg’s earlier classics are largely absent.

Overall, Disclosure Day is a mixed experience. Portions of the film are slow and occasionally dull, while the conflict-driven sections are considerably more engaging. The crisis sequences generate genuine interest and momentum. Yet the film ultimately falters in its climax, which fails to deliver the emotional payoff one expects from a Spielberg production, leaving the audience with a sense of detachment rather than awe or catharsis.

The alien has a message for humanity, but the film never reveals what it is. In that sense, Disclosure Day remains ‘not disclosed’.