Blessed with a strong story and unpredictable surprises, director Fleur Fortune’s “The Assessment” has a deliciously wicked mean streak — and I loved every minute of it. This exploration of a near future without personal privacy and a society that imposes itself on intimate choices is as fascinating as it is chilling, making this a different kind of sci-fi film for thoughtful audiences.
Set in a controlled future where the government regulates reproduction to prevent overpopulation, the film tells the story of botanical scientist Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and her genetic researcher partner Aaryan (Himesh Patel), a couple who desperately want a child of their own. As is standard regulation, they are assigned a strict assessor named Virginia (Alicia Vikander), who movies into their home for one week in order to fully evaluate their suitability to become parents. Over the course of the next seven days, Virginia’s highly invasive questions, unorthodox roleplay scenarios, and increasingly bizarre simulations put their relationship (and sanity) to the test, making Mia and Aaryan begin to question if they really want to start a family or even stay married to each other.
It’s a great idea for a film, and Fortune stretches the material to the outer limits while never pushing it too far. The narrative is both thought-provoking and gripping, with unexpected twists that will keep audiences on edge. There’s a feeling of precise control over the story too, from the meticulous production design to visuals that reflect the careful eye of an assessor.
The cast is all-around terrific here, with Olsen and Patel delivering powerful turns that capture the psychological strain of undergoing such a personal and invasive examination. They’re believable as a couple who just can’t take the growing stress as cracks in their relationship begin to grow.
The film is commanded by Vikander, however, who displays a remarkable range of emotional and physical prowess. Her portrayal of the assessor is chilling and compelling, and she adds layers of complexity to her character as her processes become increasingly intrusive, abstract, and wholly unsettling. Virginia is a woman tasked with helping bring a new life into the world, yet she proves to be nothing but a destructive force, and Vikander brings a malicious twist to her role that makes Virginia all the more formidable.
Blending these strong performances with an equally substantive and compelling story makes for a memorable film that leaves a lot of impact. The ending is particularly satisfying because it provides a complete and fulfilling resolution to Mia and Aaryan’s intense journey.
Gripping, provocative, and thought-provoking, “The Assessment” lends an insightful exploration of the implications of societal control over personal choices. This is a film that challenges as well as entertains, and it certainly left a lasting impression on me.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 