Encounter

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 10, 2021

Genre
Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Riz Ahmed as Malik Khan
• Octavia Spencer as Hattie
• Lucian-River Chauhan as Jay Khan
• Aditya Geddada as Bobby Khan
• Rory Cochrane as Shepard West
• Janina Gavankar as Piya
• Misha Collins as Dylan

Director
Michael Pearce

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Beast (2017)

Producer

• Dimitri Doganis
• Piers Vellacott
• Michael Pearce

Writer

• Michael Pearce
• Joe Barton

Budget
Estimated $10–15 million

Production Company

• Amazon Studios
• Raw
• Film4

Running Time
108 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Intense thematic elements

Movie Story
“Encounter” is a tense sci-fi thriller that follows the story of Malik Khan (Riz Ahmed), a decorated Marine who embarks on a mission to save his two young sons, Jay (Lucian-River Chauhan) and Bobby (Aditya Geddada), from an impending alien invasion. Malik believes that Earth has been infiltrated by parasitic organisms that take control of human hosts, and he is determined to protect his children from this unseen threat.

As Malik takes his sons on a cross-country road trip to what he believes is a safe haven, it becomes increasingly unclear whether the threat is real or a product of Malik’s deteriorating mental state. The film explores the dynamics of trust and paranoia as the boys begin to question their father’s actions, leading to a gripping narrative that keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of the danger they face.

The tension escalates as Malik’s behavior becomes more erratic, and the authorities, including social worker Hattie (Octavia Spencer) and law enforcement, get involved in the search for the family. The film delves into the psychological aspects of Malik’s journey, blending elements of sci-fi with a deep exploration of trauma, mental illness, and the bonds between father and sons.

“Encounter” is as much about the inner struggles of its characters as it is about the external threats they face. The film’s emotional depth and Riz Ahmed’s powerful performance anchor the story, making it a compelling watch that challenges the audience’s perceptions of reality.

Special Effects
“Encounter” employs subtle special effects to enhance its sci-fi elements, particularly in depicting the alien organisms that Malik believes are taking over human bodies. The effects are used sparingly, focusing more on building psychological tension and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. The film’s visual style supports its ambiguous narrative, leaving much of the sci-fi horror to the imagination of the viewer.

Box Office Performance
“Encounter” was released on Amazon Prime Video, bypassing a traditional box office run due to the streaming-first distribution model. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Riz Ahmed’s performance and the film’s exploration of psychological themes but noting that the narrative’s ambiguity might not resonate with all viewers. The movie attracted attention from audiences interested in character-driven sci-fi thrillers with a psychological edge.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• New Mexico, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We have to keep moving, or they’ll find us.” – Malik Khan
• “Are you sure this is real, Dad?” – Jay Khan
• “Sometimes what we believe isn’t always the truth.” – Hattie

Behind-the-Scenes
“Encounter” is the second feature film directed by Michael Pearce, following his critically acclaimed debut Beast (2017). Riz Ahmed, known for his intense and immersive performances, worked closely with Pearce to develop the character of Malik, bringing a layered portrayal of a father grappling with his own fears and traumas. The film’s production took place in various locations across California and New Mexico, utilizing the vast landscapes to emphasize the isolation and tension in the story.

Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was recognized for Riz Ahmed’s standout performance, which was praised in various reviews.

Final Verdict
“Encounter” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller that blends sci-fi with psychological drama. Riz Ahmed delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, driving the narrative with emotional intensity and complexity. While the film’s ambiguity and thematic depth may not appeal to all viewers, it offers a compelling exploration of trust, reality, and the impact of trauma. For fans of character-driven stories with a sci-fi twist, “Encounter” is a worthwhile watch.

IMDb Rating
5.8/10