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Encounter Review: Riz Ahmed Stars In 2021’s Biggest Surprise

Academy Award Nominee Riz Ahmed stars in Encounter, a psychological thriller that is about to convert your expectations.
encounter review

Academy Award Nominee Riz Ahmed stars in Encounter, a psychological thriller that is about to convert your expectations.

After his big success with Sound of Metal, which secured the 39 years old actor his first Oscar nomination, he returns to the distributor Prime Video with his new film Encounter, a psychological sci-fi thriller, which successfully juggles a lot of interesting themes and ended up being one of this years most compelling films.

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Read more in our review below.

Encounter Goes In Unexpected Directions

encounter - riz ahmed

The story follows a decorated Marine goes on a rescue mission to save his two young sons from an unhuman threat. As their journey takes them in increasingly dangerous directions, the boys will need to leave their childhoods behind. (Amazon Prime Video)

Encounter is very precisely written. The audience gets thrown into this story and sees it through the perspective of the protagonist Malik (Riz Ahmed), as he tries to save his two kids Jay (Lucian-River Mirage Chauhan) and Bobby (Aditya Geddada) of a danger, only he knows about. As we get deeper into the story, we get more information and other characters perspectives, that slowly entangles Encounter’s real story and real danger.

Riz Ahmed delivers a riveting performance as a suffering ex-marine and a loving but sometimes strong father. The Academy Award Nominee brings a lot of heart and layers to a role that could have easily just been bland. He gets supported from two amazing child actor performances by Chauhan and Geddada. 

The dynamic camera work by Benjamin Kracun shines with striking visuals, often capturing the dry open landscape with beautiful natural lighting. While it likely won’t make it into the awards conversation, this is a genre that most of the times doesn’t get as many gorgeous shots as Encounter has to offer.

encounter poster

Encounter is a captivating psychological thriller that shines through a great Riz Ahmed and some great looking visuals. One of this year’s biggest surprises. You don’t want to miss it.

4/5

It’s in select theatres and on Amazon Prime Video December 10.

Encounter is co-written and directed by Michael Pearce and stars: Riz Ahmed, Lucian-River Mirage Chauhan, Aditya Geddada, Rory Cochrane and Octavia Spencer.

What do you guys think? Are you planning to watch it? Have you seen it already, if so how did you like it? Let’s discuss everything in the comments down below and on our Twitter.

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Finn Schlote

Finn Schlote

Finn thinks and talks about movies all day, has a strong interest in how movies are made and he loves great cinematography. Comedy or horror, arthouse or big-budget blockbuster, Finn watches everything. He is a passionate Blu-Ray collector and is still waiting for a Jumper (2008) sequel.