"Disclosure Day" What if?"

I wasn't sure whether I was going to comment, but since everyone seems to have an opinion about Steven Spielberg's new movie, Disclosure Day, I decided to share my own thoughts and feelings.

Initially, I thought I was going to see a fun sci-fi movie about aliens, featuring an amazing cast and directed by the legendary Spielberg. What better way to spend a hot summer afternoon with a friend? I even took a quick selfie with the movie poster beforehand, thinking it would make for a fun post afterward.

Then I watched the movie.

I quickly realized it was less about entertainment and more about leaving the theater with a multitude of questions after experiencing an emotional roller coaster. It left me asking, What if?” about so many things.

There were certainly humorous moments—something Spielberg is known for including in many of his films—and some AI-generated imagery that you'll recognize when you see it. But what stayed with me most was that emotional journey.

Although certain aspects of the story were presented with discretion, there was no doubt about the context or the message. I can honestly say that nothing felt like forced messaging, an attempt to change my beliefs, or an effort to instill fear. Instead, the movie offered an opportunity to think beyond ourselves and consider the possibility of what a real "Disclosure Day" might mean and what the path forward could look like if such an event were ever to take place.

Not in the grand, climactic way movies are often obligated to deliver in exchange for the price of a ticket, but in a much more personal and thought-provoking way.

What I will say is this: if you feel guided to watch it, go see it!

Then pay less attention to what everyone else is telling you—including this blog—and decide for yourself what it all means. Whether it challenges your beliefs or reaffirms them is something only you can determine.

As I watched other moviegoers leave the theater, they genuinely appeared to have enjoyed the film. Yet the overwhelming impression I was left with was that many of them departed in a state of quiet reflection, deep in thought.

On a personal note, I found myself connecting with Emily Blunt's character. Not necessarily through the larger-than-life, cinematic elements that served the plot and entertainment value, but through some the challenges of balancing the more human aspects of her experience with abilities most do not fully understand until you experience them for yourself. That is all I will say about the character to avoid spoilers.

It left me asking another question: if I can see a small part of myself reflected in that character, as well as other characters then how unlikely is the possibility?

I'll leave you to watch the movie and draw your own conclusions.

I hope you enjoy it simply as a science-fiction story about alien contact. And if you happen to leave the theater asking yourself, What if?, then perhaps you've taken away exactly what Spielberg intended to convey.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after you've seen it.