‘Disclosure Day’ is Spielberg’s Magnum Opus
Steven Spielberg has defined cinema for decades, bringing audiences some of the world’s most iconic films. Not only were these movies blockbusters when they were released, but they have also stood the test of time. They’ve remained important pieces of pop culture, while also fundamentally shaping the cinematic landscape into what it is today. Spielberg’s Jaws became the first summer blockbuster, setting into motion an annual landmark that studios fight over year after year. Being the first is just as important as being the best, as you’re setting the tone of what audiences come to expect from the season of heat. It’s been four years since Spielberg’s last film, but he’s returning with Disclosure Day, which might be the best that summer has to offer.
While Spielberg’s genius has played out across so many films, there’s something special about what Disclosure Day brings to the screen. Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Saving Private Ryan, and so many more stand as flags in a filmography that spans every genre; however, Disclosure Day is different than all the rest. It reads like an epic tale that unfolds over time, yet keeps you glued to your seat. It’s like watching DaVinci paint each brush stroke of the Mona Lisa, as this film is truly a master at work. Every piece is laid carefully, precisely, with a bigger picture that doesn’t come into focus until nearly the end. Disclosure Day is cerebral in every way, making it the perfect film for multiple watches and further discussions with others.
Perhaps this science fiction thriller might not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, the spectacle of Disclosure Day is magnificent to watch unfold on screen.
[Warning: spoilers from Disclosure Day are below!]
Daniel and Margaret are having a bad day
The world is on the brink of a truly remarkable discovery, and cybersecurity specialist Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) is caught in the middle of it all. He’s stumbled on some delicate information hidden by the Wardex Corporation that could fundamentally change the world and has decided that everyone deserves to know. Working with a few others who were also employed at Wardex, such as the mysterious Hugo (Colman Domingo), Daniel will stop at nothing to release information about alien contact with humans, which paints a large target on his back.
The plan is in motion, but, as with most operations, it takes time, which means Daniel and his girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson), are in serious trouble. Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), the CEO of Wardex, isn’t exactly happy about this information being taken from his company and decides to take matters into his own hands. Perhaps with a bit of alien technology he can stop Daniel before it’s too late.
At the same time, meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is experiencing incredible changes in her own life. On the cusp of finally getting everything she wants, something truly remarkable happens: she can hear others’ thoughts. What begins as an odd trick spirals into a larger conspiracy that brings Margaret and Daniel together. How exactly are her new powers connected to the governmental alien cover-up? And can this dynamic duo, along with the rest of the believers, reveal the truth to the world?
The brilliance of Disclosure Day is the cinematic work
Disclosure Day serves as a testament to the work and relationships that Steven Spielberg has built over his incredible career. Partnering with David Koepp once again in a return to form in a way, calling back to the golden days where Spielberg defined the cinematic experience. As a screenwriter, Koepp has written many of the Spielberg-directed films, such as Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. His name is also attached to franchises such as Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, and Jack Ryan. However, his recent track record hasn’t been stellar, with credits such as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the absolute disaster that was Jurassic World Rebirth.
It’s the script itself that Disclosure Day suffers from the most, which isn’t the slight you might expect. Every project in existence has a weakest link, even if it’s an absolutely exceptional work of art. For Disclosure Day, it’s not that the script is rubbish, but the material the film covers is dense. As I mentioned before, this is reminiscent of a true epic, with the story unfolding across several acts before reaching its peak. While there is plenty of action, it’s a slow burn as it builds towards the crescendo, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s convoluted at times, which makes it difficult to follow on its first watch, especially if you aren’t used to the density that tends to come with science fiction.
However, Disclosure Day’s beauty lies in the visuals Spielberg has created on screen. The visuals aren’t just stunning; they feel otherworldly. Rich colors, blinding lights, and well-placed angles both create a sense of omniscient danger, making the world both claustrophobic and way too big. Disclosure Day reads almost like a Cold War film, where all the sides are closing in, and there’s no way out for any of our heroes. It’s that ratcheting up of tension that draws audiences into the story, as you’re waiting to discover what comes next.
Spielberg’s specific lens is so apparent throughout the film that it would have easily fallen flat in someone else’s hands. This film is nothing without these visuals that define it. Disclosure Day required a director who could step in and infuse the story with a richness, which is exactly what Spielberg has done.
Final thoughts on Disclosure Day
If ever a film in which summer 2026 will be remembered, it’ll be this one. There’s a distinction and life in this film that so many others have been lacking. It’s both a callback to the blockbusters of our past and a way forward to our cinematic future. While Disclosure Day might not be for everyone, Spielberg has captured the art and beauty of filmmaking once again, which is important in the current landscape of cinematic works.
Disclosure Day is currently in theaters! Have you checked out this film yet? What did you think of Steven Spielberg’s latest project? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
