Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film, Disclosure Day, shifts the science fiction lens from distant galaxies to Earth itself, exploring the profound implications of extra-terrestrial encounters. Starring Eve Hewson and Josh O’Connor, the film draws direct inspiration from real-world reports of mysterious aerial phenomena, examining how the truth about alien life might reshape human faith and modern society.
What is the story behind Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day?
In Disclosure Day, the narrative centers on the tension between personal belief and global revelation. Eve Hewson plays Jane, a former nun, while Josh O’Connor portrays Daniel, a whistleblower attempting to expose decades of secrets regarding extra-terrestrial encounters.
The film marks a return to the director’s fascination with aliens, a theme he has explored through classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and War of the Worlds (2005). However, Spielberg emphasizes that this project is not a sequel to his previous works, even though they share thematic DNA.
“During Close Encounters of the Third Kind, I would say to myself: ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of this turned out to be true?’ Almost 50 years later, I’m now thinking: ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful for us to actually know that all of this is true?’”
— Steven Spielberg, via RTÉ Entertainment
The screenplay is penned by David Koepp, the writer behind major hits such as Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Carlito’s Way. The ensemble cast is rounded out by Wyatt Russell, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo.
Steven Spielberg cast Eve Hewson after seeing her “extraordinary work” in the series Bad Sisters. He had previously worked with her on the 2015 film Bridge of Spies, where she played Tom Hanks’ daughter.
How did real-world UFO reports inspire this film?
Unlike traditional “space operas” that take place in distant star systems, Disclosure Day is rooted in terrestrial reality. Spielberg noted a distinction between his style and the “far, far away” territory of George Lucas, stating his focus is on encounters that happen “close to home, all of our homes.”
A significant catalyst for the film was a 2017 New York Times front-page report titled ‘Glowing Auras and “Black Money”: The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program’. This reporting detailed Navy pilots photographing what they believed were off-world vehicles, which they nicknamed “Tic-Tacs” due to their shape. According to Spielberg, seeing that coverage made him realize, “Ok, we’re getting close to something, and I think there’s a story here.”
This connection to contemporary Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) news suggests a growing trend in cinema: moving away from fantasy and toward speculative realism based on declassified or reported military encounters.
Why are themes of faith and mystery returning to the big screen?
The film explores a psychological conflict that many feel in the modern era: the tension between the desire for truth and the comfort of mystery. Through the character of Jane, a former nun, the film asks how the confirmation of alien life would impact established religious beliefs.
Josh O’Connor, who plays the whistleblower Daniel, reflected on this during his interview with RTÉ Entertainment. He noted that while he finds the speculation of what lies “out there” fascinating, there is also a sense that modern life is losing its inherent mystery.
O’Connor suggested that the drive to uncover the truth is often motivated by a desire to validate those who have witnessed these experiences but have been “discredited or gaslit.” This shift in storytelling—from seeing aliens as a threat to seeing them as a truth that needs vindication—marks a significant evolution in the genre.
The Evolution of the “Spielbergian” Blockbuster
For decades, Spielberg’s films have moved audiences through a sense of childhood awe. However, his recent commentary suggests a more humble, collaborative relationship with his audience. He compared his films to children that he “raises” and then “puts up for adoption,” noting that the audience ultimately makes the film their own.
When watching Disclosure Day, pay close attention to the interplay between the “terrestrial” setting and the “extra-terrestrial” subject matter. The film’s power lies in how it treats the unknown as something that could be happening in our own backyards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Disclosure Day a sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
No, it is not a sequel, though Spielberg has noted that the two films are linked by similar themes regarding the desire to know the truth about extraterrestrial life.
Who is the director of Disclosure Day?
The film is directed by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay by David Koepp.
What is the main cast of the movie?
The film stars Eve Hewson and Josh O’Connor, alongside Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, and Colman Domingo.
What is the central plot of the film?
It follows a former nun (Jane) and a whistleblower (Daniel) as they navigate the secrets surrounding extra-terrestrial encounters on Earth.
What do you think about the resurgence of UFO themes in major cinema? Will the truth about UAPs change how we view our place in the universe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
