Encounter
Year: 2021
Runtime: 108 min
Language: English
Director: Michael Pearce
A hardened Marine fights to protect his young sons from an otherworldly threat. As he struggles to rescue them, he must also confront his own inner demons and navigate the perils of space, facing an unknown enemy and pushing himself to his limits.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Encounter (2021) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown
Still thinking about how Encounter (2021) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
Malik Khan’s mental health struggles play a crucial role in the story’s resolution. Throughout the film, Malik is shown to be suffering from hallucinations—believing he’s on a mission to stop alien parasites from infecting humanity, when in reality, he is likely experiencing delusions caused by PTSD and unresolved trauma from his foster care childhood. His belief in extraterrestrial microorganisms is a manifestation of his mental illness, specifically tactile hallucinations or formication, where he feels insects crawling on him. These hallucinations lead him to kidnap his children, convinced he’s protecting them from alien threats.
In the climax, Malik’s delusions are challenged when his children discover the truth about his past: he had served time in prison rather than being on a secret government mission. As Malik’s mental state deteriorates, he continues to see microorganisms and believes he’s still fighting to save his kids. His act of surrendering the children at the end, after realizing his own instability, signifies his acknowledgment of his illness. The emotional reunion between father and son shows that Malik’s protective instincts, rooted in his trauma and mental health issues, were genuine, even if their basis was hallucination.
Finally, the ending uses powerful visuals—such as Malik’s car surrounded by police and helicopter lights resembling a UFO—to symbolize how his distorted perception intertwined with reality. Jay’s understanding of his father’s condition and his decision to trust Malik’s intentions rather than condemn him highlights a compassionate resolution. Malik’s admission to a psychiatric facility indicates hope for his recovery and the possibility of reunification with his children in the future, emphasizing that his actions, though driven by mental illness, spring from a deep desire to protect and be with his family. The film leaves viewers with a sense of empathy for Malik, recognizing that his journey was as much about healing his fractured mind as it was about safeguarding his loved ones.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59
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Encounter Summary
Read a complete plot summary of Encounter, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Encounter Timeline
Track the full timeline of Encounter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
