A conceptually compelling sci-fi that takes too long to make its point

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A conceptually compelling sci-fi that takes too long to make its point

In the near future, if a couple wants to have children, they can only do so after they give the green light after a successful seven-day assessment. In the world created by writers John Donnelly and Mrs. and Mr. Thomas (Nell Garfath Fox and Dave Thomas), there is control of almost everything. The future society is also where people take pills to stay youthful and alive for much longer than typically possible. the assessment,
Directed by Fleur Fortuné, is conceptually sound and looks incredible, but although it is psychologically involved and provoking, it does not go beyond the surface of its ideas.

Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel), an architect of the controlled world they live in, are desperate for a child. After passing initial examinations, Virginia (Alicia Vikander) is assigned to assess the couple in their home for a week. Virginia asks them invasive questions, watches Mia and Arian have sex, and pretends to be a child to learn more about what kind of parents they would be. As the assessment approaches its end, the more Virginia works to psychologically torture the couple. The assessment and right to have a child brings its fair share of questions and tension.

The worldbuilding and cinematography of The Assessment are standouts

When it comes to building a futuristic world and making us believe it exists, The assessment Does a fabulous job. Mia and Arian live in isolation, but what’s in and around their home paints a picture of what the future looks like. It’s realistic enough for the world we live in today, but there’s a stiff, clinical feel that permeates the character’s environment that gives away the difference. This is a world that has not erased the past, with the old world still existing just outside its borders.

Fortuné has a firm grasp of what the world is meant to represent and the feelings it evokes in us for the nearly two hours we are immersed in it.

Mia’s mother left to return to the old world, and there is a disagreement between her and Virginia, which means their judgment of this fact. When the pair of friends come for dinner, in a stellar and riotously funny scene that includes an excellent Mini Driver, the world expands with new information, and nothing is forced in this regard. Fortune has a firm grasp of what the world is meant to represent and the feelings it evokes in us for the nearly two hours we are immersed in it. I was in awe but trapped at the same time.

Magnus Nordenhof Jønck’s cinematography sharpens the colors of the costumes and sets while making them dark enough to feel distant and cold. The color of the interior is a contrast to the vivid light of the sun and the clear blue of the ocean that sits just outside the house.

The assessment is conceptually sound but fails to deeply explore these topics

The case does a great job regardless

Mia struggles the most with the assessment because, despite wanting a child, she also craves the reality that the process robs her of. This becomes even more clear as she is faced with the confines of her situation – in the assessment and in her marriage. The assessment Explore themes of reality versus a controlled environment and what the characters are willing to do to stay in it out of fear of facing uncertainty in the old world. It’s fascinating to watch how this affects the dynamics of the characters, but the film doesn’t go far enough to be completely satisfying.

The assessment Is thoughtful and compelling, but it just does not reach the heights needed to maintain its momentum.

The assessment itself goes on too long. When certain revelations come out, there is not enough time to sit with them before the film ends. Characters make decisions that make sense for where their story is going, but there’s a lack of depth that leads to some narrative disengagement. When much of the film is about the chaos of Virginia’s actions, the assessment isn’t given any time to develop, and the ramifications for the characters afterward feel underwhelming. The assessment Is thoughtful and compelling, but it just does not reach the heights needed to maintain its momentum.

The lack of exploration does not affect the performances. Olsen has made some great role choices, and here is no different. Mia is haunted by her mother’s departure to the old world and does not seem completely settled in her life, something the assessment brings to the surface. Olsen portrays Mia with a frustrated impatience with a side of unexpected tenderness. Patel’s Aaryan is off, often disappearing into his simulation lab to create things that are almost real but aren’t. He also goes through a lot, but he is more patient and happy to live in a world of his own creation.

Vikander is the highlight of the film. She is completely unhinged as Virginia, oscillating between uncomfortable behaviors and wild tantrums to straight-laced corporate decorum in a span of minutes. It’s just too bad The assessment Fails to explore her character any further considering the ending. The film may have its faults, but it’s still a thoughtful rumination on the willingness to ignore reality and what people are willing to give up – including their dignity – to get what they want despite losing their freedom. Fortune has a good understanding of the world, even if she does not push more than necessary.

The assessment Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film is 109 minutes long and not yet rated.

In a future where parenthood is strictly controlled, a couple must undergo a rigorous seven-day assessment to prove their fitness to have a child. What begins as a hopeful journey spirals into a psychological nightmare, challenging their relationship and pushing the limits of their moral boundaries in a dystopian society.

Pros

  • The film’s cast is great, and Alicia Vikander in particular is a standout
  • The world and the way it visually looks is exciting
Cons

  • The story takes too long to get to its point
  • The film’s themes could have been explored more deeply

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