Disclosure Day Review: A Thrilling and Thought-Provoking Triumph

Coleman Domingo (Left), Emily Blunt (Center) and Josh O’Connor (Right) in Disclosure Day (Universal Pictures)

2026 is shaping up to be one of those rare years that film fans will be talking about for a long time. With one standout release after another hitting theaters, it's becoming increasingly difficult to pick a favorite. Yet among all the incredible films released this year so far (and we are only in June mind you), Disclosure Day stands as one of the most memorable cinematic experiences I've had in 2026, maybe even the 2020s. There are certain movies that remind you why going to the theater is such a special experience. Disclosure Day is one of those films. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Disclosure Day takes a question that many of us have wondered about for years: What would happen if the existence of extraterrestrial life was suddenly disclosed to the public? Whether that life has been present for centuries or world leaders have secretly known about it all along, the film explores the implications of that revelation in beautiful ways. 

From the opening moments, Spielberg demonstrates exactly why he remains one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Some of his shot selections in the film's opening sequence are nothing short of brilliant and they only get better as the film continues. Right away, Disclosure Day does exactly what it needs to do—it gets the engine running. We're quickly introduced to Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor), who has stolen something of immense importance from the film's antagonist, Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). The two share a brief but effective exchange, and just like that, the central conflict is set in motion. While most audiences will already have a general idea of what the film is about going in, Spielberg wisely resists the temptation to overload viewers with exposition. Instead, he allows the story room to breathe. Rather than dumping information on the audience, Disclosure Day invites us to discover its mysteries alongside the characters. The result is a film that feels more adventurous and immersive, drawing viewers into its world one revelation at a time. It's a storytelling approach Spielberg has mastered throughout his career, and it's on full display here.

Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor in Disclosure Day (Universal Pictures)

Josh O'Connor stands firmly on his own as the film's lead. He comes across as charismatic and more importantly, likeable. He has clear motivation for doing what he’s about to do. But he’s so good that at times you also question him, asking yourself “is he really doing the right thing?”  You just can’t have a movie like this where you don’t care about your main protagonist. Yet as strong as he is, Emily Blunt nearly steals the entire movie. Blunt is absolutely electric in this role. Without venturing into spoiler territory, I'll simply say that her character is not at all what I expected based on the trailers. The marketing does an excellent job of preserving some of the film's biggest surprises, and Blunt takes full advantage of that mystery. The less you know going in, the better. Trust me, just go see what I mean. The supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Coleman Domingo continues his remarkable run of performances, Colin Firth is excellent as Noah Scanlon, creating an antagonist whose presence is very felt throughout the film, while Eve Hewson delivers some solid memorable moments of her own. Together, the ensemble helps elevate an already fantastic script with performances that consistently hit the mark. 

What makes Disclosure Day so effective is its balance. Spielberg's voice is felt throughout every frame of the film. While the story tackles a fascinating and if I may say, pretty complex subject, it never loses sight of its humanity. The film is frequently hilarious, delivering some laughs that never feel forced or out of place. In many ways, the humor does more than simply entertain, it helps ground the story and makes the characters feel even more authentic. The comedic moments arrive naturally, providing welcome relief without ever undermining the film's larger themes.

Steven Spielberg on the set of Disclosure Day (Universal Pictures)

At the same time, Disclosure Day knows exactly when to slow down and embrace its emotional core. One particular scene stands out, where Daniel tells both his girlfriend—and by extension, the audience—"What you're about to watch is very hard." It's a simple line, but it serves as a warning for what not only the character, but we are about to see. What follows is one of the film's most powerful moments in the film, one that is genuinely difficult to watch, mostly because of the emotions it evokes. It’s not a long scene by any stretch, but it makes you question a lot of things and I’ll leave it at that. 

Of course, it wouldn't truly feel like a Spielberg event without a memorable score, and once again, John Williams delivers. Even at this stage of his legendary career, Williams continues to remind audiences why he is one of the greatest composers to ever work in film. His score for Disclosure Day perfectly captures the sense of wonder, mystery, and humanity that defines the movie. During the film's quieter moments, the music subtly enhances the emotion without ever overwhelming the performances. When the story shifts into larger, more awe-inspiring territory, Williams rises to the occasion with compositions that evoke the same feelings of curiosity and amazement that made so many of Spielberg's classics unforgettable. It's a score that knows exactly when to step forward and when to pull back. By the time the credits roll, it's impossible to imagine Disclosure Day without Williams' music. Like I said, it wouldn’t feel like Spielberg without the composer who helped ignite his career. 

What impressed me most about Disclosure Day is the confidence of David Koepp's screenplay. At its core, the script tackles questions that many of us have pondered at one time or another: How would humanity react if the truth about extraterrestrial life was finally revealed? What would it mean for our understanding of history, faith, government, and our place in the universe? What makes Koepp's writing so effective is that he never feels the need to force answers onto the audience. Instead, he trusts viewers to engage with these ideas alongside the characters. The screenplay remains focused on the human element of the story, allowing its larger themes to emerge naturally through the narrative rather than through heavy-handed exposition or lectures. As a result, Disclosure Day manages to be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. By the time the credits rolled, I was reminded of the power of great storytelling. Disclosure Day is funny, moving, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted. It's the kind of film that sparks conversation long after you've left the theater and exactly the type of cinematic experience that deserves to be seen with a crowd on the biggest screen possible.

Josh O’Connor in Disclosure Day (Universal Pictures)

Now, Disclosure Day isn't a perfect film, but very few films are. If I had any significant criticism, it would be some of the visual effects. There are a handful of moments where the CGI becomes noticeable, particularly involving some of the film's animal effects. While none of it is bad enough to take you out of the experience entirely, there are times when the imagery doesn't quite reach the level of realism the film is striving for. That said, this is hardly a problem unique to Disclosure Day. In many ways, modern blockbusters still struggle to capture the seamless blend of practical and digital effects that films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest achieved nearly two decades ago. Thankfully, the visual shortcomings here are minor and never distract from the story being told. The effects ultimately accomplish what they need to, even if a few shots don't completely convince.

My other criticism would be the runtime. There are sections of the film that could have been tightened, and I think shaving off ten to fifteen minutes may have improved the overall pacing. Even so, I was never bored. Spielberg's direction, the strength of the performances, and the film's central mystery kept me invested from beginning to end. Even at its longest, Disclosure Day remains an engaging and rewarding experience. If awards season started tomorrow, I would fully expect to see Emily Blunt in the Best Actress conversation and Steven Spielberg competing for Best Director. More importantly, I expect Disclosure Day to be remembered as one of the year's standout films.

RATING:

★★★★★

5/5

Disclosure Day is only in theaters this Friday, June 12.

All images featured in this review are courtesy of Universal Pictures and are used for editorial and review purposes only.