12 June 2026
DISCLOSURE DAY ***
Steven Spielberg is a master storyteller. He has always been, ever since making a big splash with his first feature-length film, the 1971 thriller “Duel”. And he has continued his incredible exploration of genres with such masterpieces as the 1982 “E.T.”, the 1993 “Schindler’s List”, the 1998 “Saving Private Ryan” and the 2002 “Catch Me if You Can” – my personal favourites among his 35 films. Look up the list and you will be astounded at the variety, imagination and steady quality.
But throughout his more than five decade career, one of his obsessions has been the idea of extra-terrestrials among us, starting with his innovative 1977 “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. Now, with this film, and alongside the widely beloved “E.T.”, it seems to me that he has completed a trilogy built around his theme of encounters with otherworldly beings.
This film has many threads: there’s a dubious government organisation that has dark secrets that should not be revealed to the world; a small, rebellious group that feels it’s finally time to disclose the truth to mankind; a religious girlfriend and a very aware nun; and two people who seem to be key figures in this imminent revelation, though they are not quite aware of either their mission or their power within this complicated scenario. Here is where Spielberg once again gets our adrenaline pumping and our imaginations reeling.
Some of the action and chase scenes seem too far-fetched for a pro like Spielberg, the scientific jargon and events are at times over the top, and the film might have been enhanced had we seen more of the aliens Spielberg so clearly cares about. But the strength of the film lies in his underlying passion for the subject, and the fine performances of Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and especially the brilliant Emily Blunt, who should be in line for an Oscar nomination for her intense, multi-layered portrayal of the TV weather girl turned enigmatic player in this turbulent race to save humanity’s soul…
Enough said – see it for yourself.
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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