ENCOUNTER (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Encounter—the title creates expectation for an alien movie. This expectation is underscored with opening visual scenes that include insect flesh bites and insects crawling on walls. Soon, the movie seems to transfer focus to a disconnected family drama. While the movie confuses its audience with its seeming double storyline, the interaction between the father and his two sons is realistic and well done. The conclusion leaves its audience hanging without resolution and uses a type of bluntness that makes a sequel advisable to tie the story together.  Riz Ahmed has 64 credits on IMDb and has the charisma to create a deep fan base. He needs better films to work with.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A U.S. Marine kidnaps his two sons and makes a run to hide in the desert. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Pearce for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dimitri Doganis, Piers Vellacott, and Derrin Schlesinger for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Malik Khann (Riz Ahmed), Hattie Hayes (Octavia Spencer), Shepard West (Rory Cochrane), Piya Khan (Janina Gavankar), Jay Khan (Lucian-River Chauhan),   (Adita Geddada), Dylan (Misha Collins), Lance Dunn (Shane McRae), Raul (Antonio Jaramillo), and Grant (Keith Szarabajka). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie waivers between an alien encounter storyline and a family drama. That duality seems to decrease the story’s power to punch hard to its conclusion. But, for hardcore Riz Ahmed fans, there is no lack in high onscreen visibility for this charismatic actor.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers