Encounter is a genre mishmash. Through its prism, a down-to-earth and quite obvious story is told. The creator focused on a game referring to science fiction to use it as a language for building threads of understanding between father and children. It is easier to explain that they are going on a mission, escaping parasites from outer space, than to say directly: the father has lost his mind and is kidnapping his children.
The genre references become a rather specific side, because the creator, entering these areas, presents the viewers with the perspective of a person with mental problems. He gives it a metaphorical value when we get to know the next "strangers" standing in the way of the heroes. This becomes a problem at the same time, because the symbolism of people controlled by parasites is quite crudely connected with the theme of systemic racism in the USA. The artist bluntly makes the viewers understand that the people who look at the hero through the prism of his skin color are the bad guys - strangers with whom you have to fight. Sure, the idea is right, maybe even innovative to some extent, but too far-fetched and not thrilling for such a strong concept. The solutions are introduced too schematically, without proper deepening. The director sees it as a facility to adjust the narrative to the two sons who have to cut themselves off from reality in order to survive. Initially, this approach is intriguing, later it becomes pathological. This is a key element of this story, so it has a significant impact on the overall quality.
References to SF go in an overly literal and therefore boring direction, but the Encounter foundation works surprisingly well. It's really a story about fatherhood. We observe a hero with mental problems, a war veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. The creator then raises the topic of veterans whose life ends when they return home. Let's add - professional and private life, because no one was interested in finding the core of the problem and helping the protagonist. This also translates into a relationship with the guys who were superbly cast by very natural and persuasive young actors who work well with Riz Ahmed. At key moments, we see a picture of fatherhood breaking down problems, fears and limitations. Ultimately, this is the best and most important thing about how actors build this relationship. There is a lot of charm, warmth and hidden uncertainty in it. Given all the information given in the story of the FBI agents pursuing them, there is a hint of unease. Is this apparently loving father really like that? Will mental illness lead to a tragedy? This unknown keeps you in suspense until the very end. Which direction is it ultimately going in? And this is a spoiler issue.
Riz Ahmed is in a class of his own and it's hard to expect a bad role from him. This concept allows him to perfectly emphasize the nuances and subtleties of the protagonist's problems, and at the same time the warmth and love of the accompanying relationship with his sons. This, however, often goes between the good, cute side and the one that builds up anxiety and uncertainty. Could he suddenly turn into someone who will kill his own children, as suggested by the FBI? Ahmed, while building his character, does not give the viewers a clear answer as to what might happen, keeping them in suspense until the end. However, the change that takes place in him thanks to this relationship and joint adventures is also important. Basically, it is thanks to the son's sacrifice that the entire creation resonates with good power. He's the one who pulls the film on and allows you to get involved in its story.
Encounter has good ideas. It shows fatherhood and relationship with sons in an interesting way. However, an overly blatant use of science fiction and systemic racism takes the stories from their humanity and heart. It only leaves a good creation of Riz Ahmed. The whole concept had much more potential for something that would move emotions more. Unfortunately, at the end it faded a lot.
