''Encounter'' is an American

science fiction Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...

film starring

Luke Hemsworth Luke Hemsworth (born 5 November 1980) is an Australian actor who is known for his roles as Nathan Tyson in the TV series '' Neighbours'' and as Ashley Stubbs in the HBO sci-fi series ''Westworld''. He is the older brother of actors Chris Hemsw ...

Anna Hutchison Anna Hutchison (born 8 February 1986) is a New Zealand actress and producer. Her roles include Delphi Greenlaw on '' Shortland Street'' (2002–04); Lily Chilman, the Yellow Cheetah Ranger on '' Power Rangers Jungle Fury'' (2008); Allison Dine ...

, Tom Atkins, Glenn Keogh, Vincent M. Ward, Cheryl Texiera and Christopher Showerman, and is written and directed by Paul J. Salamoff.

Synopsis

A group of friends make a remarkable discovery in a rural field: a crashed spacecraft. Then they discover that there was a survivor. They bring the otherworldly being back to their home, but they soon discover that it holds even greater secrets than they could imagine. But as government agents start to show rising interest in the event, time is running out to ascertain the alien's true intentions.

Cast

as Will Dawkins *

as Jessica Dawkins * Cheryl Texiera as Teresa Fleming * Tom Atkins as Professor Westlake *

Christopher Showerman Christopher Clare Showerman (born June 24, 1971) is an American actor, best known for his role as George in ''George of the Jungle 2'' (2003). Early life Showerman was born in Jackson, Michigan on June 24, 1971. He was raised in Stockbridge, ...

as Jonathan Brandt * Vincent M. Ward as Marcus Doyle * Glenn Keogh as Brent Fleming * Wendy Davis as Agent Tevis *

Peter Holden Peter Holden is an American actor and producer of film and television. Filmography Film *''Options'' (1989, as Buck) *''In Too Deep'' (1990, as Police Officer) *''Dangerous Pursuit'' (1990, as Counterman) *''Fatal Exposure'' (1991, as Ha ...

as Agent Banks * Kenny Barr as Agent Strugatsky * TJ Jackson as Agent Lem * Sarah Booth as Rachel * Susan Willis as Professor Westlake's Wife * Tweed Michael Manning as Professor Westlake's Father * Shannon Edwards as Hospital Patient * Catherine Jerald as Professor Westlake's Mother * Callie Eckley as Shannon (as Callie Marie Eckley) * Don Kittilson as SWAT Team Member * David Sward as SWAT Team Member, Special Agent

Production

In April 2017, filming began in and around Augusta, Georgia. Director Paul J. Salamoff chose to direct in Augusta as he had a prior favorable opinion of the city, stating that it had "not only great tax incentives, but also a great crew base". Landmarks in the film included

Paine College Paine College is a private, historically black Methodist college in Augusta, Georgia. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Paine College offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, ...

. Salamoff also stated that "“The world of ‘''Encounter''’ is a nod back to classic sci-fi movies of the ’70s and ’80s". Actor Luke Hemsworth was announced as the film's lead. Other actors that were brought in included

and Tom Atkins. Glenn Keogh was brought on to replace another actor shortly before filming began, due to issues with the actor's work visa.

Release

''Encounter'' premiered on December 9, 2018 at the Other Worlds Austin film festival. This was followed by a release to VOD on October 1, 2019.

Reception

''Encounter'' received reviews from Flickering Myth and

Film Threat ''Film Threat'' is an online film review publication, and earlier, a national magazine that focused primarily on independent film, although it also reviewed videos and DVDs of mainstream films, as well as Hollywood movies in theaters. It first ...

, both of which heavily criticized the movie's plot, editing, and special effects. Film critic Jackie K. Cooper was more favorable, writing that "It looks like your run of the mill sci-fi adventure - but it's not. Luke Hemsworth underplays his part and is that much more effective. Plus the movie has just enough of a twist to keep you watching every scene for clues as to what is going on."

References

External links

* * {{Saturn Award for Best Independent Film 2018 films American science fiction films Films set in the 21st century Films shot in Georgia (U.S. state) 2010s English-language films 2010s American films