Why Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' is dividing critics despite its thrilling action

Spielberg's Disclosure Day impresses with spectacle but struggles to modernize its central themes

Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi thriller, Disclosure Day, is earning praise for its exhilarating action sequences and technical craftsmanship, but critics say its ambitious story is weighed down by an outdated perspective on technology, media and modern society.

The film stars Emily Blunt as meteorologist Margaret Fairchild and Josh O'Connor as cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner, who find themselves caught in a dangerous conspiracy after uncovering evidence of extraterrestrial life. As they race to expose the truth, the story blends political intrigue, UFO mythology and Spielberg's signature large-scale spectacle.

One of the film's standout elements is its practical action. The elaborate car chases have been widely praised for their intensity, with O'Connor previously revealing that filming the sequences was both thrilling and nerve-racking due to Spielberg's preference for practical effects over heavy CGI.

Despite the impressive set pieces, several critics argue that Disclosure Day feels stuck in the past. Reviews point to its idealized portrayal of traditional television news and its treatment of technology and information as concepts that don't fully reflect today's digital and social media landscape.

Emily Blunt's performance has received particular praise, with critics highlighting the emotional depth she brings to a character whose mysterious abilities become central to the unfolding mystery. The chemistry between Blunt and O'Connor has also been cited as one of the film's strengths.

While some reviewers have applauded Spielberg's attempt to blend science fiction with themes of truth, empathy and government secrecy, others believe the film's messaging is overly simplistic and lacks the nuance expected from contemporary political thrillers.

Even so, Disclosure Day has emerged as a commercial success, drawing audiences with its blend of suspense, spectacle and classic Spielberg filmmaking. Whether viewed as a nostalgic throwback or a sci-fi thriller that struggles to keep pace with the modern world, the film continues to generate discussion among critics and audiences alike.