Steven Spielberg is back in the sci-fi saddle for the first time in nearly a decade, and early reviews suggest he hasn't lost his touch. Disclosure Day, the director's latest alien-themed epic, has debuted to a strong 90% on Rotten Tomatoes from 58 reviews, with a Metacritic score of 77. But is it the crowd-pleasing blockbuster fans expect, or something more complex?
The film follows Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), a Kansas City TV meteorologist whose life spirals out of control after strange childhood experiences leave her with uncontrollable abilities. She crosses paths with Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor), a recently released cybercriminal who uncovers evidence that a secret organization called Wardex may be hiding extraterrestrial life from the world. The cast also includes Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell.
Spielberg reunites with longtime collaborators for this project: Janusz Kamiński handles cinematography, while John Williams returns to compose the score. The screenplay comes from David Koepp, who previously worked with Spielberg on Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds. The film opens in theaters on June 12, marking Spielberg's first summer release window in a decade.
What Critics Are Saying
Blunt is being hailed as the heart and soul of the film, with many calling it a career-best performance. The Irish Independent called her "utterly awesome," while London's Evening Standard described her as "sparkling." RogerEbert.com noted, "Blunt's performance can sometimes feel big, but it's also remarkably nuanced, particularly in the amount of work she has to do without lines when she looks into the eyes of another character whose life she can 'see.'"
Not all reviews are glowing—some critics have called the film "flat" or "clunky" in places—but most agree that Spielberg's signature moments of wonder and awe make it work. The film is described as more thoughtful and paranoid than a typical alien invasion movie, drawing comparisons to Minority Report and A.I. Artificial Intelligence rather than E.T. or Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Collider's Nate Richard praised the film as a major return for Spielberg, writing that Disclosure Day "gave me exactly what I wanted from his return to the alien movie." He noted that it's not the straightforward alien flick some might expect, but a more introspective and paranoid thriller.
For fans of thoughtful sci-fi, this might be the summer's must-see. If you're looking for more genre gems, check out our list of 7 Near-Perfect Apple TV+ Shows That Prove Quality Beats Quantity or dive into Ethan Hawke's 'Gattaca', another sci-fi masterpiece that predicted our genetic future.
Disclosure Day opens in theaters on June 12. For more on the film, read our full review at Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day Lands in Theaters This Week.
