Film Review: Steven Spielberg is Still at the Height of His Powers with the Full Cinematic Experience That is ‘Disclosure Day’

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? That’s not just the tagline for Disclosure Day. It’s also the film’s central thesis, alongside the notion that maybe, instead of fear, it could change things for the better? Working again in the realm of aliens and UFOs, maestro Steven Spielberg is far more focused on the human element, resulting in deep emotions and a full cinematic experience. Whatever you’re expecting this movie to be, Spielberg has some of that for you, but he’s also delivering something different as well. I was thrilled and moved by what he revealed, to the point where almost nothing else so far this year has matched it.

Disclosure Day is both playful and a slow burn, so you have to get on its wavelength a bit. Spielberg makes you earn the final half hour or so, which is among the most satisfying denouements in his career. Hell, the opening shots of the flick are of a wrestling match. That’s probably not what those expecting Spielberg to revisit an alien invasion are prepared for. However, it’s just another way he wants you to check your expectations at the door. He’s already done War of the Worlds. He’s already done Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This is something else, and in my humble opinion, superior to both of those works. High praise, indeed, but justified.

I’m going to be as vague as I can about the plot, since having it slowly revealed to you is part of the fun. Still, some set up is warranted. We meet Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert for the Wardex corporation turned whistleblower, who has stolen government secrets. Wardex wants them back and has taken Daniel’s girlfriend Jane Blankenship (Eve Hewson) in order to facilitate the exchange. At the meet up, however, Daniel utilizes a mysterious bit of technology to evade capture, much to the consternation of his former boss Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), who runs Wardex. Absconding with the secrets, he goes into hiding with Jane, helped over the phone by fellow defector Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo). When Jane presses Daniel on what he stole, he shows her the secrets, which is not just proof of the existence of aliens, but the massive government cover up as well. Hugo leads a group pushing for full disclosure of these secrets, which Daniel now is in a position to make happen.

At the same time, Kansas City television meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is late to get on the air. A confusing encounter on the way to the station is something she shrugs off, but once she’s in front of the camera, she begins speaking in an alien tongue. Convinced she’s had a stroke, her boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell) takes her to the hospital, though brain scans come back clean. However, something is going on, and she’s drawn to the location where Daniel is hiding out. The fact that Wardex has come after her as well only spurs her further, even while unsure why or what their connection is. I’ll leave that for you all to find out, but suffice it to say, Daniel and Margaret are essential to Hugo’s plan for disclosure, which Noah is desperate to prevent. One side is convinced that society would collapse if this ever got out. The other insists that humanity has a right to know the truth. Regardless, if/when Disclosure Day occurs, nothing will ever be the same again.

Emily Blunt gives one of the best performances of her career here with a role that becomes more and more important as the film progresses. Alongside Josh O’Connor, she’s the crux of the entire story. Blunt gets to show some great range, both with lighter and heavier moments, all while remaining very much an audience surrogate. O’Connor carries the weight of his burden a bit heavier, which keeps the performance from having too much variety to it, but he’s still very good. Blunt is just in another league entirely. They’re the central characters, clearly, but there are still nice moments for supporting players to shine. Colin Firth puts an interesting spin on what’s not a villainous character but certainly is an antagonist. Colman Domingo gets a monologue that lays bare the themes that Spielberg wants you to consider, yet he’s such a good actor, it just comes through as the character’s passion. Eve Hewson is a bit under-served, though when her character needs to come through, she certainly does. In addition to an amusing Wyatt Russell, the cast includes Gabby Beans, Priyanka Kedia, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tommy Martinez, Elizabeth Marvel, Hettienne Park, Jeremy Shamos, Brandon Wilson, and more.

Director Steven Spielberg and writer David Koepp (working off of a story by Spielberg) are at the height of their powers, crafting a sci-fi mystery with some deeply enjoyable thriller elements. When it’s just being a smart summer movie, they’re in full control. Multiple sequences had me on the edge of my seat. Then, when Koepp and Spielberg build things up to a third act crescendo, it becomes something more. The pair brought me to tears with the final section of the film, to the point I completely embraced what was being shown and forgot that it was a summer blockbuster. Where they leave is us shockingly moving. Despite some action scenes, this is far more of a conversation at its core, and in fact, is essentially existential discourse. Few others would even dare to consider how proof of alien life would impact religion, but not only do they, they come down on a position, no less. Armed with one of John Williams‘ best scores in years and reliably strong cinematography from Janusz Kamiński, Spielberg is firing on all cylinders. Despite some similarities to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, in no way is he repeating himself. There’s a hopefulness here that ultimately speaks favorably towards humanity, whether or not we deserve it.

In terms of awards, Disclosure Day is going to be an interesting case. Thematically, its belief in the power of truth is Oscar friendly, though the sci-fi blockbuster trappings could keep it from normal Spielberg heights. A Best Picture nomination could depend on box office and a strong precursor showing, so that’s questionable, at least now. Above the line, Emily Blunt has the best chance to score a nomination in Best Actress, alongside Koepp and Spielberg in Best Original Screenplay. Below the line, there are definite opportunities, especially for Williams in Best Original Score.

Disclosure Day is as satisfying as it gets from Steven Spielberg. Watching a master filmmaker showcase how in control of his instrument he still is will never not be a delight. Sometimes, you just want to be nestled in the bosom of a Hollywood movie. When that picture can be made by Spielberg and be full of ideas as well? Even better. This is one of the absolute best films of 2026 so far and, with the exception of The Fabelmans, stands toe to toe with anything Spielberg has done in nearly 30 years. Disclosure Day is coming, yes, and not soon enough, either.

SCORE: ★★★★