Where to watch Encounter in Australia
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About Encounter
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.
- Year
- 2021
- Genres
- Drama, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Runtime
- 108mins
- Director
- Michael Pearce
- Top cast
- Riz Ahmed, Octavia Spencer, Lucian-River Mirage Chauhan, Rory Cochrane, Aditya Geddada
Encounter trailer
Play video: Encounter trailer
What our critics think
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
Review Team
★★★★★3.5/5
Encounter, directed by Michael Pearce, attempts to merge a father-son narrative with science fiction, resulting in a film that is both engaging and perplexing. The central character, played by Riz Ahmed, is a decorated Marine driven by the instinct to protect his sons from an unseen threat. Pearce's direction is commendable, creating a palpable sense of tension throughout the film. The cinematography captures the emotional weight of the journey, with close-ups that reflect the characters' inner turmoil. However, the film's pacing can be uneven, and some viewers may find the ending ambiguous and frustrating. Despite its flaws, Encounter is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a father in desperate circumstances.
Editor Team
★★★★★4/5
Encounter is a gripping ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Riz Ahmed delivers a powerful performance that pulls you into the chaotic world of a father’s desperate mission to save his sons. The film’s atmosphere is thick with tension, and the emotional stakes feel incredibly real. There’s a haunting quality to the storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. Sure, some may find the pacing a bit off, but the raw intensity of the father-son bond makes it all worthwhile. If you're in the mood for a mix of action and deep emotional narrative, Encounter is definitely worth your time.
How viewers describe this
- tense
- emotional
- gripping
- unsettling
- intense
- ambiguous
- thought-provoking
- powerful
- chaotic
- raw
- flawed
- engaging
Streaming Charts
The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.
| Rank | Title | Highest Rank | Streaming |
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| 01 | 03 | ||
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| 05 | 13 | ||
| 06 | 15 | ||
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| 08 | 17 | ||
| 09 | 19 | ||
| 10 | 22 |
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Got a question about Encounter?
Is Encounter worth watching?
Encounter is worth watching for those who appreciate tense thrillers with emotional depth. The film explores the bond between a father and his sons amidst an unsettling backdrop, making it a gripping experience that resonates on both action and psychological levels.
What is Encounter really about?
Encounter centres on a decorated Marine, played by Riz Ahmed, who embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his two sons from an unhuman threat. As they journey through danger, the film examines themes of protection, fear, and the loss of innocence.
Is Encounter suitable for children?
Encounter is not particularly suitable for children due to its intense themes, violence, and disturbing imagery. Parents are advised to consider the film's content before allowing younger viewers to watch.
What happens at the end of Encounter? (Spoilers)
At the end of Encounter, the father sacrifices his own freedom for the safety of his sons, leaving them with a difficult choice about their future. The film concludes with an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of the threat and the boys' emotional journey.
Is it based on a true story?
Encounter is not based on a true story but presents a fictional narrative that blends elements of psychological drama with science fiction. The story reflects universal themes of parental love and the instinct to protect one's children.
Is Encounter scary?
Encounter contains suspenseful and unsettling moments that may be frightening for some viewers. The film's tension is built through its atmosphere rather than traditional horror tropes, making it a psychological thriller more than a horror film.
What films are similar to Encounter?
Films similar to Encounter include 'A Quiet Place' for its themes of survival and parental protection, as well as 'Captive State' for its exploration of human resistance against an alien presence. Both films share a tense atmosphere and emotional stakes.
Is there a sequel to Encounter?
As of now, there is no announced sequel to Encounter. The film stands alone as a self-contained story, but its themes could potentially lend themselves to further exploration in future projects.