Steven Spielberg’s latest sci-fi film, Disclosure Day, is already generating major buzz, with early critics hailing it as a reminder of the auteur’s unrivaled talent. Arriving in theaters June 12, the movie stars Emily Blunt as a meteorologist who teams up with a whistleblower (Josh O’Connor) to uncover a government conspiracy theory that threatens to change human history forever. It also features Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson and Wyatt Russell.
In the final trailer for the film, Spielberg reveals in a piece-to-camera: “I am much more inclined now than I was when I made Close Encounters to really believe that we are not the only intelligent civilization in the universe. This is a story about us, all of us, up against the most extraordinary event in human history,” he adds, in between scenes, showing Blunt and O’Connor being chased by a government agency, Domingo declaring that it’s time for a “79-year cover-up of the truth to end” and an alien coming face-to-face with a young girl.
“When disclosure day actually happens, we are going to have to accept that we haven’t been alone since the beginning of time,” the Oscar-winning director continues. “I used to say to myself, ‘Wouldn’t this be wonderful if all of this turned out to be true?’ I’m now thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful for people to know all of this is true?’”
Within hours of the trailer’s release, critics flooded X with early plauditory reviews. “I loved Disclosure Day,” Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier said on X. “A dense roller coaster ride blending chase film, love story, & mystery, all wrapped in sci-fi wonder.” He labeled it “Spielberg’s best film in 20 years.”
“In a shock to absolutely no one, Steven Spielberg has delivered another towering home run with #DisclosureDay,” agreed Collider’s editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub. “I could go on and on about what I loved, but I was lucky enough to see the movie knowing almost nothing, and I strongly recommend you do the same. Stop watching the trailers.”
Weintraub singled out Blunt’s “incredible” performance, saying: “I know big summer movies aren’t usually the kinds of performances that get awards-season attention, but once people see what she does in this…”
IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill similarly commended it as “top-tier Spielberg,” adding, “Right from the opening Spielberg lays down the gauntlet and reminds you that he does this stuff better than anybody in the history of film.”
“I can’t remember the last time I loved a Spielberg movie as much as Disclosure Day,” The Wrap’s Drew Taylor admitted. Praising it as “thrilling, funny, deeply emotional and impeccably acted,” he extolled Blunt’s acting as “astounding.”
“Full of mystery and wonder, it proves that nobody does it quite like Spielberg,” Taylor said. “Just great.”
Disclosure Day is out in theaters June 12.
The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.
