Disclosure Day Review: Does Spielberg Still Got It?

Disclosure Day is the latest film from Hollywood icon Steven Spielberg and sees the Oscar-winning director return to the sci-fi genre for the first time since Ready Player One in 2018. This was a film I was highly anticipating, especially after Spielberg's last two films proved that, even in his late 70s, he can still tell compelling stories. So, does Disclosure Day continue that trend? Here are my thoughts.

One thing I really liked about the film was its story. While the opening takes a little time to establish its world and characters, it quickly draws you into the action and mystery. Going in, I expected a UFO film in the same vein as Jaws or Jordan Peele's Nope. Instead, Spielberg delivers more of a conspiracy thriller involving extraterrestrial life, which works surprisingly well because it offers something different from the sci-fi films he has made in the past.

The two lead characters are well developed, and the dialogue is generally strong. However, I couldn't help but notice a few flaws in the writing. The supporting characters often feel like chess pieces waiting to serve the plot, some aspects of the film's logic aren't fully explained, and a few scenes drag more than they should.

That said, I found the mystery so engaging that I was willing to overlook those issues. I was invested in uncovering the conspiracy and seeing where the story would go next. Steven Spielberg's direction is what truly makes the film stand out. The cinematography features some striking imagery and showcases his trademark visual style beautifully. The editing keeps the narrative easy to follow while also making the experience feel immersive.

The visual effects are solid overall, although I initially found one CGI animal somewhat distracting. However, a later plot reveal changed my perspective on it and made its inclusion much more effective. John Williams' score was my favourite aspect of the film. It proves that the legendary composer still has plenty left in the tank, delivering a memorable soundtrack that perfectly captures the film's tense atmosphere and enhances the overall experience.

The performances are excellent across the board. Emily Blunt steals the show with a standout performance, while Josh O'Connor is equally impressive as the male lead. Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo all provide strong supporting performances, even if their characters aren't given quite enough development.

Overall, Disclosure Day is an immersive and entertaining experience thanks to its visuals, story, performances, score, and Spielberg's confident direction. Despite a few flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and believe it proves that Spielberg can still tell great stories, even if this one isn't quite perfect.

For me, Disclosure Day earns a 10/10 and 5 out of 5 stars.

What did you think?

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