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.

'Encounter' receives mixed reception due to misleading sci-fi marketing, disappointing those expecting alien themes. Praised for strong performances by Riz Ahmed and child actors, and its exploration of PTSD and mental health, it faces criticism for inconsistent writing and an anticlimactic ending. Some appreciate its dramatic, psychological shift, while others feel deceived by the marketing. Cinematography and direction are lauded, but the plot and pacing are contentious.