Jenna, a young college student, is driving home one evening when she encounters a stranger. The seedy stranger steals himself into Jenna’s car and intimidates her to drive him to his destination. He threatens violence and pain if she does not heed to his demands. Confined together in her car, the two strike up a conversation which soon drifts toward their struggles with life. As they learn more about one another, they see a fresh perspective about people they have thought of as criminal. Jenna recalls the mugging incident that claimed the life of her sister, leaving two children in her care. As he copes with the additional responsibilities, juggling college and jobs, she says that she had no time to harbor hatred for the person who caused it all. She only prays to God that the man pays for his sins.
‘Chance Encounter’ is a student film directed by Ryan Bryant. Made within the constraints of a student production, Chance Encounter is a wonderful film that captures the underlying emotions of the story without missing out on the nuances. Locations, artists and the cinematography together bring alive a lonely night where one can easily fall prey to a predator at a gas station. The film keeps you engrossed in the conversation between the two main characters, egging you to double-guess the startling incident that will prove to be the link between the two. The delicate touch at the end, where humanity triumphs over the petty emotion of revenge, is truly heart-warming.
What makes a person a criminal? Is there currency in understanding the reason behind why a person commits a crime before passing judgements? And, does repenting for your mistakes correct the wrongs and restore to the victims their losses? These are some questions ‘Chance Encounter’ sets us thinking about.
