Disclosure Day Story
A cyber-security specialist and a television reporter combine forces against the defence establishments of their country, to expose secrets about major encounters recorded between humans and aliens. Records based on theories that have largely observed human exploitation and misuse of other-worldly powers since the United States military first discovered the remains of an extra-terrestrial spacecraft near Roswell in Mexico. Efforts ensue to stop them in their tracks even as the world sits on a ticking time bomb with tensions escalating towards the possibility of another World War.
Disclosure Day Review
Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cyber-security pro is on the run with his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson) as officials from the Wardex Corporation, led by CEO Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), chase them to retrieve stolen secrets and files that are classified, as a public disclosure of them would risk national and global security. Both escape into a convent and Daniel also learns that his girlfriend was once a nun.
Emily Blunt in Disclosure Day
Meanwhile, Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), a television journalist known for delivering weather reports, discovers incomprehensible psychic powers that allow her to connect with people and other forms of life, in languages that she isn’t particularly proficient in. Her uncanny ability to communicate in a language unknown to mankind is revealed during a regular live broadcast, leaving her hospitalised, panicked and eventually, she too goes into hiding.
Written by Spielberg’s frequent collaborator David Koepp, Disclosure Day urges viewers to consider prospects of human-alien interactions and the impact that it could hold in a volatile world on the brink of war. Where differences can be settled and resolved. But sadly, that idea is executed by a very disengaging and loose screenplay.
Firstly, it’s length is worrying. While the first half entices viewers with some slick action sequences, it stretches itself too far in establishing the primary conflict, in question. Post the interval, the second half is mostly wasted in confrontations that serve little to no purpose before reaching its eventual climax. Spielberg’s treatment of his own subject feels like an experiment done to entertain and indulge himself than deliver a compelling entertainer for the audience, who’ve invested in his vision for several decades. While the passion of the octogenarian filmmaker is remarkably visible, the inability to evolve is just as obvious.
Emily Blunt in Disclosure Day
Speaking of the performances, while Emily and Josh try their earnest best in elevating the film, the script does not compliment their efforts. In significant scenes, Emily walks a thin line between being dramatic and borderline annoying, yet she manages to keep the viewers invested in her performance. Colman Domingo as former Wardex employee Hugo Wakefield, who propels Margaret and Daniel’s efforts further, is composed and convincingly restrained. Colin tries to be ruthless in his pursuit to stop the secrets from being disclosed, but he seems merely desperate. Eve as Daniel’s vulnerable girlfriend offers a solid act and actually emerges as one of the strongest performances among the supporting cast. Wyatt Russell as Margaret’s boyfriend Jackson, offers the needed comic relief, despite a brief appearance.
Disclosure Day Verdict:
Disclosure Day could’ve been so much more entertaining if its screenplay wasn’t hopelessly linear. It’s unfortunate to share so, but at most intervals, I found myself to be snoozing as the film takes longer than expected to get to the point. While Spielberg’s fascination for his subject continues to be admirable, the treatment demands a contemporary, futuristic gaze. A trip to the cinemas might be needed if you’ve run out of options in other languages, but don’t keep your hopes up.
