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Sci-fi thriller

Dark Encounter (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Dark Encounter (2019) movie poster

Dark Encounter is a 2019 sci-fi thriller directed by Carl Strathie, starring Laura Fraser as Olivia Anderson, Bridget Doherty and Alice Lowe. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $4,672 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 55/100.

worldwide gross
$4.7K
Echo Score
55
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Dark Encounter (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Carl Strathie
Genres
Sci-Fi , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dark Encounter About?

The premise of Dark Encounter without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A family returns to their small town after a memorial service for their eight-year-old daughter, who vanished a year prior. That evening, unsettling lights emerge from the nearby forest, exposing the family to a bizarre and inexplicable phenomenon. These lights seem to originate from otherworldly visitors who appear to terrorize them. As the family grapples with the terrifying events, they unknowingly move closer to uncovering the disturbing truth behind their daughter's disappearance.

Dark Encounter Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • alien
  • white collar
  • broken family
  • betrayal
  • 1980s
  • cosmic horror
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Cast & crew

Dark Encounter Cast & Characters

Laura Fraser leads the cast as Olivia Anderson, with Bridget Doherty as Maisie Anderson and Alice Lowe as Arlene Burroughs. Directed by Carl Strathie; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Dark Encounter

· 8 more
From the director

More from Carl Strathie

One more film directed by Carl Strathie: Solis.

Full filmography
Ratings

Dark Encounter Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 55/100, strongest in sensory experience (65) and weakest in story & flow (45).

55 /100

Dark Encounter Echo Score Breakdown

Dark Encounter presents a mixed cinematic experience that balances an intriguing premise with uneven execution. The film benefits from a well‑crafted twist and occasional atmospheric moments, yet it is hindered by inconsistent pacing, plot gaps, and uneven character development. Critics note clever genre references, while many audience members point to a lack of narrative cohesion and variable production polish. Overall, the movie offers moments of merit but struggles to maintain a consistently engaging or memorable impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows flashes of competence, such as convincing visual effects and a budget‑wise production design noted by several reviewers. However, criticism about an overcooked aesthetic, an airless feel, and low‑budget constraints tempers those positives. The direction receives mixed remarks, with some praising its handling of genre staples and others finding it lacking. Consequently, the artistic execution lands in a modest middle range.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When assessing character and emotion, acting quality receives divergent feedback; some users describe performances as credible and professional, while others label them as disengaged or uninspired. Emotional resonance is further weakened by critiques of superficial character depth and strained chemistry. The film's attempt to elicit fear and pathos is seen as uneven, resulting in a balanced but unremarkable assessment of its character work.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Story and flow emerge as the film's weakest pillar, with numerous comments about plot holes, convoluted pacing, and a forgettable narrative structure. While the premise and twist are praised by certain critics and viewers, many note a lack of coherence and implausible developments that undermine engagement. The pacing is described as sluggish in parts, and the overall storytelling fails to sustain interest consistently.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    Sensory experience receives relatively positive remarks, highlighted by a praised soundtrack and convincing visual effects noted in user feedback. The sound design and visual style are described as atmospheric and effective in establishing tone. Although not universally lauded, the sensory components generally enhance the viewing experience and offset some narrative shortcomings, situating this aspect in a favorable range.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch factor is assessed as moderately appealing; the film’s twist and occasional suspense provoke some interest in a second viewing, as reflected in positive user comments. Conversely, many reviewers cite boredom, slow pacing, and a lack of lasting impact, which diminish repeatability. This mixed reception positions the movie’s replay value around the midpoint of the scale.

Plot

Dark Encounter Plot Summary

What happens in Dark Encounter from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In November 1982, Ray and Olivia return to their small-town home to find that their eight-year-old daughter, Maisie, has disappeared without a trace.

One year later, after a memorial service, the family gathers for dinner with a wider circle: Ray’s brother Billy, Olivia’s sister Arlene and her husband Kenneth, the local sheriff Sheriff Reese Jordan, and Olivia’s widowed brother Morgan. The mood is uneasy, and the meal becomes tense when Ray launches into an argument with Billy. Later, Ray and Morgan share a quiet, bruised conversation about grief; Morgan offers his advice, but Ray makes it clear he isn’t ready to move on and storms out of the kitchen.

Full summary

The whole story of Dark Encounter, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Dark Encounter Box Office

Dark Encounter grossed $4,672 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.7K

International
$4.7K
Videos

Dark Encounter Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Dark Encounter.

Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Dark Encounter?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the missing child at the heart of the story?

Cars

Cars in Dark Encounter

5 cars on screen, including the 1980 Chevrolet K-10 and the 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria.

All 5 cars
  • 1980 Chevrolet K-10 in Dark Encounter 1980 Chevrolet K-10 Important role
  • 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria in Dark Encounter 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Minor role
  • unknown in Dark Encounter unknown Minor role
  • 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 in Dark Encounter 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Background role
Details

Dark Encounter Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “Тьма: Вторжение” and “Столкновение с тьмой”.

Also known as
  • Тьма: Вторжение
  • Столкновение с тьмой
  • Зустріч із темрявою
  • Зустріч з темрявою
  • Encuentros en la oscuridad
  • Sötét találkozás
  • 黑暗邂逅
  • Темрява: Вторгнення
  • Mroczne spotkanie
  • 다크 인카운터
  • Encontres en la foscor

Seen Dark Encounter?

FAQ

Dark Encounter FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Dark Encounter, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dark Encounter?

Dark Encounter runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Dark Encounter released?

Dark Encounter was released on August 23, 2019.

Who directed Dark Encounter?

Dark Encounter was directed by Carl Strathie.

More films by Carl Strathie

Who is in the cast of Dark Encounter?

Dark Encounter stars Laura Fraser as Olivia Anderson, Bridget Doherty as Maisie Anderson and Alice Lowe as Arlene Burroughs, among 12 credited actors.

How much did Dark Encounter make at the box office?

Dark Encounter grossed $4,672 worldwide.

Does Dark Encounter have a post-credit scene?

No. Dark Encounter has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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