Encounter poster

Encounter

"When you stand by each other, you can get through anything."

Movie R 2021 1h 48m 6.3 /10
Directed by Michael Pearce

Malik Khan, a hardened Marine, heads into a perilous mission to bring his two young sons back from a threat that defies ordinary explanation. What starts as a straightforward rescue spirals into a sequence of isolating and dangerous encounters as miles of road blur into a test of will. With time... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 22, 2026

About Encounter

Malik Khan, a hardened Marine, heads into a perilous mission to bring his two young sons back from a threat that defies ordinary explanation. What starts as a straightforward rescue spirals into a sequence of isolating and dangerous encounters as miles of road blur into a test of will. With time slipping away and the line between protector and predator growing hazy, Malik must weigh what he can endure to keep his children safe. Along the way the boys confront fear, grit, and a dawning realization that childhood may be a casualty of a world that refuses to stay within the rules. The trek pushes the family through desolate landscapes and crowded towns, challenging trust, belief, and parental control. The tension never fully yields to spectacle, keeping the focus on family.

Released in 2021, Encounter was directed by Michael Pearce from an original screenplay by Joe Barton. The film features Riz Ahmed, Octavia Spencer, Lucian-River Chauhan, and Rory Cochrane in a tense thriller that blends sf ideas with family drama.

Critics have highlighted Riz Ahmed's work and the film's claustrophobic mood, using a science fiction premise to explore trust and the limits of protection within a fractured family. The story invites reflection on what parents owe to their children under pressure, and how fear can bend perception and judgment.

Box office details are limited due to a restrained release and streaming strategy; there are no widely reported numbers or records to cite. The film found a niche audience through festival play and on demand platforms.

Encounter has sparked discussion about how thrillers frame danger and father son bonds. The story uses a non human threat as a backdrop to character drama, highlighting performance and emotion over spectacle. Critics praise Riz Ahmed and Octavia Spencer for grounding the film in real human stakes.

Details

Release Date
December 03, 2021
Runtime
1h 48m
Rating
R
User Ratings
450 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
Amazon Studios +4 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed

Malik Khan

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer

Hattie Hayes

Lucian-River Chauhan

Lucian-River Chauhan

Jay Khan

Rory Cochrane

Rory Cochrane

Shepard West

Aditya Geddada

Aditya Geddada

Bobby Khan

Janina Gavankar

Janina Gavankar

Piya

Misha Collins

Misha Collins

Dylan

Keith Szarabajka

Keith Szarabajka

Grant

Shane McRae

Shane McRae

Lance

Antonio Jaramillo

Antonio Jaramillo

Raul

Director: Michael Pearce

Written by: Joe Barton

Frequently Asked Questions

Encounter is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Yes, Encounter is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

With a rating of 6.3/10 from 450 viewers, Encounter is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

Malik Khan, a hardened Marine, heads into a perilous mission to bring his two young sons back from a threat that defies ordinary explanation. What starts as a straightforward rescue spirals into a sequence of isolating and dangerous encounters as miles of road blur into a test of will. With time ...

Encounter stars Riz Ahmed, Octavia Spencer, Lucian-River Chauhan, Rory Cochrane, and Aditya Geddada.

Encounter was directed by Michael Pearce.

Encounter was released on December 03, 2021.

Encounter is a Mystery, Thriller, and Drama film.

Riz Ahmed plays Malik Khan, a decorated Marine who leads a rescue mission to save his two young sons from an unhuman threat. The performance centers on his determined effort to protect his family.

Lucian-River Chauhan plays Jay Khan and Aditya Geddada plays Bobby Khan, Malik Khan’s two young sons who accompany him on the perilous journey.

The film follows Malik Khan, a decorated Marine, as he tries to rescue his two sons from an unhuman threat. As their mission unfolds, the boys must leave their childhoods behind to survive.

Yes, Encounter is a tense mystery thriller drama with suspenseful and intense sequences. It is rated R for mature content.