there's a thrumming, raw-boned intensity to Ahmed's Malik and an appealing unforced naturalism in the boys, who register as smart, intuitive kids without any of that strangely performative child-actor shine
Riz Ahmed is mesmerising in a twisty sci-fi with gripping psychological undercurrents; Michael Pearce shows both a visual and thematic appreciation for genre films in all sorts of endearing and enigmatic ways
richer, smarter and stranger than it first looks; Riz Ahmed, offering up yet another a immaculate, immensely moving performance; It's a surprisingly meaty work that works on several levels at once
a wildly imaginative and engaging character-driven work through a genre-bending filter; It's a gorgeous and heartfelt family drama, but it's also a suspenseful and sometimes shocking paranoid thriller
a taut, genre-bending psychological thriller; A familial psychodrama with well-crafted sci-fi elements and a pair of impressive child actors, Michael Pearce's intense second feature is both surprising and emotional
"Encounter" is an intriguing, intense thriller led by Riz Ahmed; Directed by Michael Pearce, "Encounter" weaves a mysterious tale that is filled with intensity, high stakes, incredibly deep and nuanced performances, and changing perspectives
by Hanna Flint [Time Out New York ]
by Chris Barsanti [Slant Magazine ]
by Meagan Navarro [Bloody Disgusting ]
by Peter Bradshaw [The Guardian ]
