There’s a classic feel to Disclosure Day, and I credit that to Steven Spielberg’s direction, Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography, Sarah Broshar’s editing, and John Williams’ score. The craftsmanship behind this epic sci-fi mystery thriller is so impeccable that you are effortlessly guided toward the exact emotions that Spielberg and his team want you to feel. The storytelling is so exquisite that it sweeps you up from the very first scene until its big finale, never letting you go through it all. Sure, they use a lot of new techniques as well; multiple one-shot takes that are complicated and involve stunt work, but where they point that camera and how they cut the scenes creates a seamless flow that really builds upon this amazing story about truth, aliens, and the human condition.
Disclosure Day follows Daniel (Josh O’Connor) as he attempts a high-stakes trade off with what appear to be government forces led by Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). Scanlon’s men have taken Daniel’s girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson); in exchange for her freedom, Daniel must return stolen documents and an alien artifact.
However, Daniel manages to rescue his girlfriend and retrieve the items and escape. Simultaneously, Margaret (Emily Blunt), a meteorologist, experiences a strange visit that alters her, suddenly granting her inexplicable knowledge an the ability to speak multiple languages.
She feels compelled to search out Daniel, who in turn, is told to seek her out by his informant, Hugo (Coleman Domingo). The story and all its secrets unfolds one piece at a time while Daniel is on the run, Noah Scanlon gives chase, and a bewildered Margaret is drawn right into the center of the storm, completely unaware she is meeting the three right at the center of all of this.
Written by David Koepp from a story by Spielberg, Disclosure Day has an unconventional narrative structure. It thrusts the audience directly into the middle of all the action – no exposition whatsoever – and we are learning about these characters and their dramatic situation as the film unfolds.
Everything is a mystery, from the true identities of Daniel, Jane, and Margaret, to the capabilities and origins of the alien artifact. Everything is shrouded in secrets, the narrative relies on Spielberg and his team to let us into this world just one piece of information at a time.
While he is doing this, he shows us a world on the brink of collapse; populated by people who are overthinking or would rather cede their autonomy to a higher authority. It’s a chaotic world, and Daniel is in the middle of it. He’s at the center of the conspiracy, he witnesses the sheer darkness that it holds and how it directly affects the people around him, especially Jane.
On the other hand, through Margaret, we can also see the wonder of it all: the awe-inspiring effect of a paranormal occurrence. Her sudden, inexplicable knowledge and ability to know things and people, it is played out with such levity and whimsy that it creates some of the most enjoyable scenes in the film.
In fact, O’Connor and Blunt play off of each other beautifully, marrying the film’s two contrasting sides – the pessimistic and the optimistic – and really grounding the film into a balanced shape. While O’Connor delivers a solid performance and holds his own in such a massive production, this territory is a walk in the park for Blunt, who has had her share of huge box-office movies. Yet, she adds a little bit more, her portrayal of Margaret is that of a woman completely overtaken by this alien power.
She’s in awe of it, and while it frightens her, the phenomenon also feels like an answer to her character’s search for purpose. It is a complex, highly demanding role, yet Blunt manages to keep it real and engaging despite the fact she remains mostly reactive until the tide finally turns.
This movie makes full use of Spielberg’s greatest strengths as a director. It features stunning, large-scale chase sequences, intricate character work, and scenes where people find themselves beholden to forces far larger than themselves. While Disclosure Day evokes classic, old-school Spielberg, it simultaneously possesses a refreshing quality and a hopefulness that feels so fitting for this day and age. It is a lovely film even with some scenes where the narrative gets untethered, or takes a didactic approach to answer some questions still left hanging, these minor flaws are just a small price to pay for a cinematic experience that reaches out and makes us feel and believe in magic again.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Are you ready to experience the magic of classic Spielberg again? Disclosure Day is officially out in theaters. Check showtimes here.
