If we are to discuss the greatest directors of all time, nobody is more prolific than Steven Spielberg. Jaws, Jurassic Park, E.T., Saving Private Ryan- the list goes on and on. Four years since his last feature, Spielberg has returned with a new film written by long-time collaborator David Koepp. Crafted impeccably, Disclosure Day is a thrilling yet empty cinematic adventure.

A meteorologist and a cybersecurity expert find themselves on the run as they begin to unravel a decades-old conspiracy involving the government’s cover-up of extraterrestrial secrets. Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor star. The supporting cast includes Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Wyatt Russell and Colman Domingo.

At its best, Disclosure Day reminds us that Steven Spielberg is still a master filmmaker. When it comes to capturing actors in an exciting way, nobody is better. Backed by a magical score from John Williams and shot sharply by Janusz Kamiński, this is a great film on a technical level. The performances are stellar too; Emily Blunt is sublime, Josh O’Connor is effective, and Colman Domingo is the kind of actor that fits snugly into a Spielberg picture.

But with the above in mind, Disclosure Day is largely disappointing in all other aspects. The story itself is never boring, but we spend the entire 145-minute runtime racing to a conclusion that is never in doubt. And once we reach the destination, the products of the script’s efforts are entertaining but completely uninspiring.

This film is about the value of truth and little more. Characters spend many scenes discussing how important it is for the world to learn the reality of aliens, while they should be spending just as much time unpacking what that truth really means. How would it change the world? How would we react? The film barely touches on this except for a few lines of fleeting dialogue.

The movie thankfully moves at a quick pace and offers some delightful action, but between the moments of Spielberg glory are more frustrating elements, such as poor CGI and an ending that would have served better as the opening of a superior film. Starting this story where it currently ends would have uncovered a world of potential, propelling us into a movie with a deeper, more interesting throughline.

There is no doubt that Steven Spielberg is still a talented creator; Disclosure Day doesn’t change that. What it does do is remind us that without a well-written script, not even Spielberg can unwind prestige from the pitiful.