The Assessment (2025) - Film Review

      The Assessment, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Fleur Fortuné.

      Featuring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, Minnie Driver, Indira Varma, Charlotte Ritchie, Nicholas Pinnock, Leah Harvey, Benny O. Arthur, Thiago Braga de Oliveira, Malaya Stern Takeda, and Anaya Rose.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In a world ravaged by climate change, a utopian society enhances life, including evaluations for parenthood. A successful couple undergoes scrutiny by an evaluator over a week to assess their suitability for having children.

      There is a twisted, chaotic pleasure in how writer/director Fleur Fortuné's The Assessment grapples with the ethically dubious and intrusive idea of a worker spending seven days determining if a couple is fit for parenting. The film gradually escalates into a psychodrama that threatens to unravel the couple's relationship while addressing whether it's necessary to bring a child into this "new world," which is merely a desolate part of the climate-ravaged "old world," burdened with strict laws to prevent further disaster and control overpopulation.

      Living in a secluded beach house, isolated from civilization and enveloped in dust (a dome shields the environment), Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are among the top 0.1% of candidates. This status is likely due to their essential roles: Mia is a key botanist managing a greenhouse, while Aaryan designs virtual reality pets, as all real animals have been exterminated and are now illegal in this new society. He struggles with recreating accurate textures for his virtual creatures after being traumatized during a violent protest at his workplace that resulted in a fire and personal injury during evacuation. Meanwhile, Mia is haunted by emotional pain stemming from her mother being left behind in the old world, typically reserved for the impoverished and dissenters against the new regime.

      The initial inquiry raised echoes a question many grapple with considering the grim future: "Why bring a child into this world?" It prompts reflections on their painful past. Additional questions arise, such as, "What place would a child have in this world, and would there even be other children for them to play with?" The choice appears selfish, yet the strong performances evoke empathy for their decision.

      However, the assessor, Virginia (a deliberately emotionless Alicia Vikander), arrives to evaluate Mia and Aaryan. The process begins ordinarily enough with a standard questionnaire, but it quickly becomes uncomfortable, highlighting the invasive nature of the assessment. It becomes clear that the couple was not informed that Virginia would also sometimes role-play as a mischievous demon child, designed to test their patience and resilience as parents. One might reflect on the tragic headlines in the real world and question whether such a test for prospective parents could actually be beneficial! (This is a jest, but the film does spark significant thoughts and discussions.)

      Fleur Fortuné skillfully explores this dynamic, placing Mia and Aaryan in situations that scrutinize their relationship's depth, such as hosting a dinner party where guests harbor secrets. Virginia engages in psychological games, showing favoritism towards Aaryan as a potential father figure while possibly testing his loyalty.

      While it's entertaining to watch two adults navigate the antics of a childlike Alicia Vikander, the behavior escalates intriguingly into a bizarre reality that raises doubts about Virginia's mental stability or if she's experiencing a breakdown from the demands of her taxing job. At one point, she gazes into a mirror divided into three sections, signaling something amiss. Alicia Vikander delivers a full-bodied performance, anchored by her fearless commitment to icy examinations, psychological games, and role-playing.

      Elizabeth Olsen is equally remarkable as a woman caught between two worlds and often judged for it. Despite the challenges, Mia’s aspiration to become a mother is relatable. As the film progresses and begins to reveal fractures in Mia and Aaryan’s beliefs, it poses further compelling questions surrounding parenting and the contrasting worlds. With a minimalistic and barren portrayal of the sci-fi landscape, the silence and enchanting melodies by composer Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch play essential roles in conveying the weight on these characters.

      There's much to admire and impressive craftsmanship in The Assessment, yet it frustratingly hints at rich themes without deeply exploring them or reaching a resonant conclusion. Instead, the film shifts focus to Virginia in the last 15 minutes for an unexpected move and reveal that fails to mesh with the preceding narrative. It’s another ambitious attempt in a film that is memorable for its boldness and sufficiently engaging thanks to its emotionally charged ensemble.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★