Steven Spielberg’s new movie reignites questions about alien life
South Africans will recognise a familiar sound in the 'Disclosure Day' movie, but is it proof that the film's storyline is closer to the truth than fiction?
The world comes closer to 'Disclosure Day' in Steven Spielberg’s new movie about aliens.
A new teaser from the science-fiction thriller dropped this week, and it has the internet talking.
Are aliens real? Do they walk among us on earth? Is Mark Zuckerberg an alien?
We made that last one up because the Meta boss has long been thought to be one of several high-profile figures with connections to the extraterrestrial world.
Elon Musk is at the top of the list, but the SpaceX founder has previously promised to expose the truth about aliens - if he discovers it.
We won't hold our breath.
What is 'Disclosure Day' about?
Spielberg's upcoming film explores what would happen if the world learns aliens are real.
"If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to ... Disclosure Day," a logline on the Universal Pictures website reads.
'Disclosure Day' isn't exactly based on a true story, but its plot is inspired by real-life discussions about the possibility of alien existence, including a report on 'The Pentagon's Mysterious U.F.O. Program'.
According to a 2017 story in The New York Times, America's Defense Department set aside $22 million of its $600 annual budget on an Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, aka unidentified flying objects, which may or may not be UFOs.
Don't get us started on all the drama around Area 51.
Spielberg has also been inspired by what lies beyond Earth, noting that he developed a curiosity about aliens as a child.
"When I was just a little kid, I can remember developing a real curiosity about the sky at night and what’s happening up there, and also, not the possibility but the guarantee that there is life off this planet," the 'E.T.' director said.
According to reports, the 3x Oscar-winner has deliberately excluded the movie's third act from its marketing campaigns, leading some to believe he will drop truth bombs disguised as fiction.
It's always been the two of them. Disclosure Day only in theaters 06.12.26. pic.twitter.com/FnUXAsRH3I
— Disclosure Day (@disclosureday) April 22, 2026
What language are the aliens speaking in 'Disclosure Day'?
Teasers and trailers for 'Disclosure Day' show Emily Blunt's character Margaret Fairchild speaking in an unknown language that even she does not understand.
Instead of the meteorologist giving viewers an update on the weather, an extraterrestrial force appears to overtake her, and she speaks directly to the camera. It is safe to say the message is not about sunny skies ahead.
Several social media users believe the mysterious alien language sounds a lot like the tongue clicking in the Khoisan language.
"The only languages on earth that use tongue clicking as primary consonants are the Khoisan languages of southern Africa — potentially the oldest human language family on the planet," a Redditor noted.
However, others have described it as sine wave speech.
"The alien character uses sine-wave speech to communicate, something I’ve researched for over 45 years... In the Steven Spielberg movie, the speech is obscured in sign wave plus click sounds," an Xuser said.
Or it could just be gibberish.
'Disclosure Day' cast
The cast of 'Disclosure Cast' includes English actor Josh O'Connor.
He plays a cybersecurity expert slash whistleblower named Daniel Kellner, who seems to be the only person on Earth who understands what Margaret is saying.
Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell, McKenna Bridger and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
'Disclosure Day' release date
'Disclosure Day' will debut in cinemas on Friday, June 12. The film is expected to hit the big screen in South Africa at the same time.
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