To watch or not to watch? Early verdicts arrive for Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’

Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor lead the sci fi thriller, which blends conspiracy theories with suspense

Steven Spielberg’s latest film Disclosure Day has received its first major review, and the early verdict suggests audiences may find themselves asking one question before buying a ticket: is it worth watching?

According to Variety critic Owen Gleiberman, the answer depends largely on what viewers expect from Spielberg’s return to alien themed storytelling. While the review praises the film’s performances and suspense, it argues that Disclosure Day never reaches the sense of wonder that made 1977’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind a classic.

The film stars Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor in a story centred around government secrets, alien encounters and a decades long conspiracy involving classified evidence. Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo also feature in the cast.

Disclosure Day opens with O’Connor’s character Daniel Kellner, a cybersecurity expert who possesses a hidden archive documenting alleged alien encounters dating back to the Roswell incident in 1947. Meanwhile, Blunt plays television weather presenter Margaret Fairchild, whose life changes dramatically after she begins experiencing mysterious abilities that connect her to Daniel’s mission.

David Koepp wrote the screenplay, while longtime Spielberg collaborators Janusz Kamiński and John Williams returned as cinematographer and composer respectively.

Variety described the film as an “invigorating chase thriller” and praised Spielberg’s ability to deliver tension and scale. Emily Blunt’s performance received particular praise, with the review noting that she effectively conveys the strange and unsettling nature of her character’s experiences.

However, the review also suggested that the film follows decades of UFO mythology rather than creating something entirely new. The publication argued that modern audiences have already been exposed to years of conspiracy theories, online footage and discussions surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena, making it harder for the film to create the same impact as Spielberg’s earlier work.

The review concluded that Disclosure Day delivers an entertaining ride but ultimately lacks the emotional awe and mystery that defined Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

For viewers wondering whether to watch the film, the early response points towards a solid recommendation for fans of conspiracy thrillers, science fiction and Spielberg’s filmmaking style. Those expecting another groundbreaking cinematic experience on the level of his 1970s classics may find themselves less impressed.

At 145 minutes long and carrying a PG-13 rating, Disclosure Day appears to offer a mixture of action, philosophical questions and alien intrigue rather than outright spectacle.

The first review indicates that Disclosure Day is certainly watchable and features strong performances from its cast, even if it may not rank among Steven Spielberg’s most celebrated achievements. For science fiction fans and followers of UFO mythology, that could still make it a trip worth taking.