It is one of the most anticipated films of the year. In “Disclosure Day,” in theaters this June 10, Steven Spielberg returns to his favorite themes, science fiction and extraterrestrials, to weave a breathtaking conspiracy thriller about what would happen if the existence of aliens were revealed to the world. The filmmaker features a whistleblower from a government agency (Josh O’Connor) whose mission is to hide from the public the existence of beings from elsewhere and a local TV weather presenter from the Midwest (Emily Blunt) who suddenly starts speaking Russian, Korean and the language of extraterrestrials.
United by a mysterious bond that brings them together, these two empathetic heroes join forces with an ex-nun, played by Eve Hewson, Bono’s daughter and a 34-year-old rising actress noted in particular in the series “Bad Sisters” and “A Perfect Couple”. This team must face the formidable head of the government agency Wardex, played by Colin Firth, to succeed in revealing on television that we are not alone. Eve Hewson spoke exclusively to lematin.ch in a London palace.
Do you believe that we are not alone in the universe and have you discussed this with Steven Spielberg?
Yes, we are not alone. I was too afraid to even ask him but at the beginning of filming the whole crew had a theory that he knows a lot more than he admits with him writing this script and with all the films he’s made on the subject. Furthermore, Steven has a strong intuition and can really read the thoughts of his actors when he directs us. Sometimes I looked at him, he said something to me and I thought about just that! So I started thinking he had powers or something. But then I felt more comfortable around him and asked him once if he had any experiences with aliens. He said, “No, Eve, and can you believe that with all the PR I did for them, they didn’t visit me?” » (Laughs).
Do you think, like your character, that people couldn’t handle the truth?
Yes, but this film is supposed to show people how to deal with this eventuality. It’s a message of hope and a kind of warning too. If we learned of the existence of aliens, we would have a responsibility to process this information correctly and feel love, empathy and compassion for the unknown.
How do you prepare to play an ex-nun?
Just by researching a little. I’ve read a few stories on the subject and books about women who have chosen this path. But I had no practical experience and did not go to a nuns’ school!
This film marks your second collaboration with Spielberg after “Bridge of Spies”. What did he teach you?
Enormously. I don’t even know how to put it into words. I guess what I took away most from this film was just to take responsibility, to savor this experience and to allow myself to learn things from Steven on a daily basis, to surpass myself and to evolve with him. This film marked a big turning point for me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more intimidated in the past than during this shoot.
Did you have a chance to talk with him about your favorite childhood movie, “ET the Extra-Terrestrial”?
Yes. When he told me I got the role, I burst into tears and told him about my entire childhood. And he said to me “oh, I see you’ve adopted the “Method”. Good for you! »
Was your psychological confrontation with Colin Firth the most difficult scene for you to film?
Yes. Plus, Obama was on set that day so it was very intimidating, especially since no one had told me he would be there. It was probably for the best because if someone had told me, I probably wouldn’t have shown up! And I haven’t often acted in science fiction so it was interesting to imagine what was happening. Colin’s character was intruding into my brain but he was also sitting across from me at a table. When I was trying to get it out of my head, it had to show so it was like one hell of a physical workout.
