Encounter (2021)

An ex-Marine runs away with his kids in the middle of the night in an attempt to save them from an extraterrestrial organism that takes over people.

Captivating premise, convoluted and disoriented elaboration. Very intriguing opening sequence with interesting visuals that lead only to questions. An unknown number of people seem to have been infected by an extraterrestrial organism that arrived on Earth inside an asteroid. Although the connection between that and why Malik has taken the kids makes sense or should make sense, it is a head-scratcher. That is because the information is being given, at first, in a disjointed way.

Answers kept coming as the narrative unfolded, but I couldn’t help but notice the mixed feelings I had during the process. It felt like while things were happening, nothing was happening. The soundtrack, the sound levels, Malik’s relationship with his boys, the subplot’s connection to the plot… The latter, especially, confronts, contrasts, and even contradicts the initial questions, raising yet another question: How bad is he? I say no more about the events, as spoilers are not allowed.

Once all answers are given, the uncertainty and confusion are instantly replaced by transparency, and while that is meant to happen, the fact that the fog gets dissolved instantly disrupts the pace and rhythm. I can’t say with certainty if the script is causing it or the editing, but I’ll go with the script. Writer Joe Barton and writer/director Michael Pearce raise ambiguous feelings while developing both the characters and the story, and, admittedly, Jed Kurzel’s original music, albeit atmospheric, interacts with the visuals in a way that… cancels out the intended feelings. In all honesty, I am not sure what they were meant to be. This ambiguity is reflected in Riz Ahmed’s and Octavia Spencer’s performances, who look as bewildered by their utterances and actions.

If I had to put my finger on it, I would say that the major cause of this is the epidermic approach to what is happening to (or with?) Malik. Again, I can’t anymore. Have a look for yourselves. I don’t regret watching it, but I’m glad I didn’t have any expectations. Maybe you’ll feel differently.

I hope you enjoy it, as well as this festive period.

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Solidarity for all the innocent lives who suffer the atrocities of war!

Stay safe!