Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: ENCOUNTER [Toronto International Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]
The tenets of perception are wrapped in the deceptions we tell ourselves. In creating a tense thriller, director Michael Pence starts his film off in a peculiar way which points to a specific threat. And while the predilection of "Encounter" is an interesting one, it does something particular in almost doing a reverse Villeneuve who has been known for science fiction thrillers. Riz Ahmed, with his "Star Wars" pedigree, also brings an interesting angle since that plus his "Sound Of Metal" performance innately speaks into the noise and/or clarity his character experience. That previous performance actually is subtly nodded to briefly in a specific scene. Ahmed plays a former Special Forces Marine who may or may not be on a secret mission. In an effort to be proactive, he rescues (he thinks) his sons in the middle of the night to take them on a road trip. Again the opening shots play back, looks in the eyes, certain tells...they might be happening in real time...or our narrator, whomever he is unreliable.
To give any more away will spoil it. The film has bleakness but also speaks to the idea of cultural divide and protection. It also speaks about breakdown in terms of society. The main final area in which a stand off happens (before the climax) has a unique metaphorical basis to it as well. A couple flying shots undeniably speak to that. The question of what may or may not be is shuffled to the end but the key is that the question is still being asked. In many ways this approach to storytelling is an exercise that may work for some and not for others. The key is if the actors sell it. There are some intense filmic moments including one in a house that proves to be catalyst set against an 80s song that has particular resonance and meaning (though in its original context with another movie it obviously meant something else). "Encounter" tries to give different meaning in the journey it shows since the way it plays out affects alll the participants in different ways. B-
By Tim Wassberg
