Today, Amazon releases a new original film in the form of Encounter.
When we begin Encounter, we are treated to a dazzling opening sequence where a glowing meteor streaks high through the night sky before striking Earth.
Encounter is the story of decorated Marine Malik Khan (Riz Ahmed), who is clearing suffering – he’s hearing bugs in the wall and obsessively covers himself in insect spray. After a news report of riots is show, he goes to collect his sons Jay (Lucian-River Chauhan) and Bobby (Aditya Geddada), who live on a farm with their mum Piya (Janina Gavankar) and hew new partner Dylan (Misha Collins).
When Malik comes into the boy’s bedroom in the early hours of the morning and proposes a race to his car, both of the boys enthusiastically take part. But Malik soon reveals to his kids the real motivation for his visit – there’s a parasitic species that is slowly taking over the human body.
What starts out as a sci-fi film turning into something else entirely, and it’s in the hand of Michael Pearce that the film treats a very fine line. It’s a film the can, and should be, watched more than once.
The casting is absolutely sublime, and be sure to keep an eye for Octavia Spencer as Malik’s only friend Hattie.
Encounter is well worth your time.
3 Stars
Encounter is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video
