Director Steven Spielberg’s newest outing, “Disclosure Day,” shows that the iconic filmmaker still has it in him 55 years into his career.
Science fiction is a realm in which Spielberg is quite comfortable; since his third major feature film, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” in 1977, he has rotated in and out of the genre for decades.
While this newest movie does show him dipping his toes back into the genre, it aligns more with “Minority Report” than “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” The alien aspect of the story takes a backseat to a slower burn political thriller.
This works to the film’s advantage. Despite being a film about aliens and their impact on the world, the story is decidedly human. Every character, no matter the size of their role, brings a unique and realistic perspective to the idea of finding out these unearthly beings are, in fact, real.
What I find most interesting about the narrative is its focus on the intersection between the extraterrestrial and the spiritual. Eve Hewson as Jane brings in a compelling storyline, judging the alien reveal through a Christian lens. The phone call between Jane and a nun from her past is gripping and presents an intriguing take on how the faithful can coexist with the idea of other life in the universe.
Despite its meditative nature, the movie rarely leaves you feeling bored. The pacing of some scenes throughout the middle feel drug out, but they are broken up by tense and exciting car chase scenes. There is one in particular with a train that had me on the edge of my seat.
Hewson is just one of many great performances in the film, but she surprised me the most as I was not familiar with her before this. It was quite frustrating that she was sidelined a bit in the second half after having some of the best moments in the first act. Unsurprisingly, Colman Domingo shines in his supporting role; at this point, you can put him in anything, and I will see it.
The real stars of the show are Emily Blunt and Colin Firth. Both bring their own fun energy to their roles in different ways, and they have the most intriguing storylines of all the characters. Blunt should undoubtedly receive a leading role nomination for this.
I was unfortunately underwhelmed by Josh O’Connor. In the past, he has blown me away in films such as “Challengers” and “Wake Up Dead Man,” but here it was as if he was on autopilot. Not bad, per se, but not particularly great comparatively.
Spielberg is no question still a pro behind the camera. His blocking in this film is done in a way that seems so simple yet so inspired. There are so many moments that lesser filmmakers would have shot in a way to just get coverage, but you feel the intentionality about the way the camera is placed and how it moves. The constant movement of the actors and the camerawork aid in this sense of urgency and panic.
Not to mention, his work with longtime collaborator and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński is just outstanding. The grounded color palette with cool blues combined with flashing lights and glares made me think back to the aforementioned “Minority Report” in the best way possible.
What resonated with me the most in this movie is its level of sentimentality. Spielberg is known for being a bit schmaltzy at times, but especially here it works to his advantage. In a time where people are bored of ironic humor and are craving something truly authentic, he gives them that. It is rare to see a film that believes so much in itself and the world it has created.
Score: 8/10
If you want to see “Disclosure Day,” it is now playing worldwide in theaters. You can check local times and get tickets on the “Disclosure Day” website.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source lsureveille.com ’
