The Assessment Trailer: Alicia Vikander Challenges Elizabeth Olsen in Sci-Fi Drama

      One of the most eagerly awaited films to debut at TIFF last fall, The Assessment, marked the directorial debut of Fleur Fortuné, who had previously directed music videos for M83, The Avalanches, Lykke Li, Travis Scott, and others. This sci-fi drama features a cast including Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, Minnie Driver, Indira Varma, Nicholas Pinnock, Charlotte Ritchie, and Leah Harvey. Magnolia Pictures has acquired the film and has released the first trailer in anticipation of its March 21 release.

      Here is the synopsis: "The Assessment centers on Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel), a successful couple aspiring to become parents in a near-future world where resources are scarce and the government tightly regulates reproduction. They are assigned an assessor named Virginia (Vikander), who moves into their home for seven days to determine if they are fit to continue on their path to parenthood. What they expect to be a routine evaluation quickly transforms into a psychological turmoil, challenging them to reconsider the principles of their society and the essence of humanity."

      Jared Mobarak commented in his review, "The test involves more than just oversight—although that's significant, especially considering the many ways a young child could be harmed in a home that isn't 'childproof.' It also encompasses patience, empathy, and responsibility. Mia and Aaryan are highly focused on their careers, and in a society where children are prohibited, switching their priorities becomes challenging. Virginia relentlessly challenges them, and as a result, her non-child status begins to influence the outcome. Eventually, you start questioning how this became the procedure—it seems more like a plan geared towards failure rather than one designed for success."

      Watch the trailer below.