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Sci-fi drama

Proximity (2020): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Proximity (2020) movie poster

Proximity is a 2020 sci-fi drama directed by Eric Demeusy, starring Don Scribner as Carl, Ryan Masson and Highdee Kuan. It runs 1 hour 59 minutes. Critics gave it 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
4.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
39%
Echo Score
51
Metascore
38
Proximity (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 59m (119 min)
Director
Eric Demeusy
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Proximity About?

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

A NASA scientist dedicated to finding extraterrestrial life experiences a profound encounter that challenges his perception of reality. This event fuels an increasingly obsessive quest for proof, pushing him to confront unsettling possibilities and embark on a journey of self-discovery as he desperately seeks answers from the universe and within himself.

Proximity Themes & Keywords

· 8 tags
  • abduction
  • space sci fi
  • scientist
  • low budget film
  • nasa
  • extraterrestrial
  • no one believes the protagonist
  • independent film
Where to watch

Where to Watch Proximity

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Proximity Cast & Characters

Don Scribner leads the cast as Carl, with Ryan Masson as Isaac and Highdee Kuan as Sara. Directed by Eric Demeusy; 15 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Proximity Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Proximity 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

51 /100

Proximity Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Proximity delivers a visually appealing but narratively uneven experience. The film’s technical craftsmanship is frequently praised, yet its shallow screenplay and inconsistent pacing undermine viewer engagement. Performances fluctuate between earnest effort and ineffective delivery, limiting emotional impact. While the musical score and visual effects offer a nostalgic sci-fi atmosphere, the story’s abrupt tonal shifts and ideological digressions detract from cohesion. As a result, the film stands as a mixed outing that intrigues on surface aesthetics but struggles to maintain interest throughout.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, Proximity excels in its visual design and cinematography, offering well-executed shots and effective production values. Visual effects receive consistent praise for ingenuity on a modest budget, though occasional editing choices feel disjointed. The film’s technical polish is its primary strength, even as small cuts in post-production occasionally disrupt narrative flow.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film struggles to establish depth or empathy. Performances range from moderately engaging to flat, often hindered by underdeveloped roles and unconvincing dialogue. Character relationships lack sustained chemistry, limiting emotional resonance. Overall, the portrayal of its cast yields inconsistent engagement, leaving few moments of genuine connection.

  • Story & Flow 40

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative starts with a promising premise but falters as plot developments become predictable and disjointed. Pacing slows considerably in the middle act, and script inconsistencies create noticeable holes in worldbuilding. Although occasional twists inject curiosity, the overall storyline lacks cohesion and originality. The result is an uneven progression that diminishes engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers a nostalgic sci-fi ambience through a memorable soundtrack and polished sound design. Visual effects are consistently praised for their creativity and effective integration. The combination of musical cues and visual style creates an immersive atmosphere. However, occasional tonal mismatches between audio and narrative moments slightly undermine sensory cohesion.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    When assessing rewatch factor, Proximity offers limited lasting appeal due to its uneven storytelling and variable performances. While the visual style and thematic elements may warrant a revisit for genre enthusiasts, the film’s narrative inconsistencies and tonal shifts reduce motivation for repeated viewing. Overall, the title provides modest novelty but lacks substantial replay value.

Plot

Proximity Plot Summary

What happens in Proximity from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1979, Carl Don Scribner, a lumberjack working in Alaska, is abducted by aliens and vanishes into the unknown. Fast forward to the present, where Isaac Ryan Masson, a young computer engineer, begins a daily video diary that charts his odd experiences and growing paranoia. After a routine hike, a encounter with a flying saucer and an alien leaves him shaken. Three days later, he wakes beside the water with a fog of memories and disturbing, precise injuries that point to something more than a simple accident. He uploads the abduction to the internet, and the clip spreads like wildfire, drawing relentless attention from the news, media, and a wary government.

Full summary

The whole story of Proximity, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Proximity Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Proximity.

Proximity Trailer [EXCLUSIVE]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Proximity?

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 Isaac's occupation at the beginning of the film?

Cars

Cars in Proximity

17 cars on screen, including the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2016 Ford Explorer.

All 17 cars
  • 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe in Proximity 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Important role
  • 2016 Ford Explorer in Proximity 2016 Ford Explorer Important role
  • 2018 Lincoln Navigator L in Proximity 2018 Lincoln Navigator L Important role
  • 2017 Nissan Armada in Proximity 2017 Nissan Armada Important role
Details

Proximity Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Близость” and “Abducción”.

Also known as
  • Близость
  • Abducción
  • Proximité
  • Близкие контакты
  • 无限接近
  • A Presença
  • Bliskość
  • La Presencia
  • 컨택트 2020
  • พร็อกซิมิตี้
  • Người Ngoài Hành Tinh
  • 異星物語
+5 more
  • Близькі контакти
  • ディメンション
  • Abducció
  • קירבה
  • Artumas

Seen Proximity?

FAQ

Proximity FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Proximity, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Proximity?

Proximity runs 1 hour 59 minutes (119 minutes).

When was Proximity released?

Proximity was released on May 15, 2020.

Who directed Proximity?

Proximity was directed by Eric Demeusy.

Who is in the cast of Proximity?

Proximity stars Don Scribner as Carl, Ryan Masson as Isaac and Highdee Kuan as Sara, among 15 credited actors.

Where can I watch Proximity?

In the US, Proximity is streaming on Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Proximity rated?

Proximity has 4.8/10 on IMDb, 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, 38 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does Proximity have a post-credit scene?

No. Proximity has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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