Psychological Sci-Fi Stunner: ‘The Assessment’ Review Unveiled

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The signage near Bobai, China, once read, “When each family profits from the family planning service, every village thrives and flourishes.” This message, remnant from the one-child policy era, was observed by author Ma Jian. In his article for The Guardian, he notes, “In China, reproduction and childbirth are intrinsically political.” The degree of authoritarianism can be inferred by the government’s involvement with personal matters like reproductive rights; when the state controls whether or not you can have children, then it is on the brink of tyranny. However, what if totalitarianism is the proposed solution to mankind’s survival? This is one of the dilemmas explored in The Assessment.

Imagine this scenario: You’re confined with others on a spacecraft for three years, with exactly enough air to last that duration plus an extra day. Now, suppose a woman were to get pregnant; the arrival of a new life would consume resources, potentially endangering everyone else. It’s somewhat similar to the classic lifeboat dilemma. This question arises from the thought-provoking novel The Assessment, and it’s just one of many such questions that have been sparked by it. In essence, we’re grappling with the question: Is the individual (and their family) or the greater society (or species) more valuable?

Who Deserves to Be a Parent at the End of Time?

It’s not hard to guess that The Assessment revolves around government-regulated births. This story unfolds in a future, enclosed environment, either an isolated part of Earth or a reimagined area on another planet, serving as a shelter from the extreme heat, nuclear fallout, rampant disorder, and decay of what we can assume is “The Old World.” The inhabitants of this secure zone might have managed to avoid the crowd trying to snatch tickets for Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos’ exclusive rocket trips. Implicitly, it seems that those who made significant societal contributions and possess substantial wealth reside within this protected dome.

In a sprawling, ultra-modern home perched on the rocky coastline of a vast, remote location, we meet Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel). Mia is an accomplished gardener who uses her green thumb to grow various plants for both nourishment and scientific research in her stunning greenhouse. Meanwhile, Aaryan is well-known for his engineering skills, particularly in the field of computers, where he spends countless hours in a mysterious subterranean lab (essentially a dark abyss) working on bringing to life realistic holographic beings powered by AI, capable of being touched and displaying signs of sentience – from a feline to a primate. Mia and Aaryan share a deep bond and are eager to expand their family of two by welcoming a child into their lives.

In this society, any couple aspiring to parenthood is required to undergo a week-long evaluation, where a government representative cohabits with the couple to evaluate their readiness and suitability as parents. The goal is to conserve limited resources since not everyone can have children. Although it might seem reminiscent of eugenics, one could argue that the concept has merit. For instance, what if all potential parents were screened through psychological, intellectual, economic, and physical assessments? Could society potentially improve as a result? Indeed, there are individuals who may not be equipped to raise children, but is this approach overly controlling or totalitarian? These questions persistently resurface…

Elizabeth Olsen & Alicia Vikander Pass the Test and Stun the Rest

Alicia Vikander portrays Virginia, a stern and calculating evaluator. Most of the movie revolves around the numerous tests Virginia conducts on Mia and Aaryan, her attempts to confuse them with psychological tricks, and whether the pair can last the week while demonstrating the virtues essential for great parenting – love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Parents will likely identify with this film and feel its struggles, and everyone will be captivated by its thought-provoking questions. Does the concept of a “good” parent exist? Can one truly qualify as a potential parent before having children and learning together? Is it acceptable not to be a “good” parent, and what are the repercussions?

It is unfortunate to see how Virginia puts this couple through various trials during their week-long evaluation, yet it cannot be denied that Vikander delivers an exceptional performance in this film. She shines brightest when she’s carefree and casual, much like in the popular series “Irma Vep.” However, her acting skills in “The Assessment” are unparalleled by many, as most actors could never aspire to reach such heights. Her portrayal is incredibly nuanced, raw, and devoid of any self-importance or pretense. You’ll find yourself left speechless at least once while watching this captivating performance unfold.

In a different yet equally impressive manner, we have Elizabeth Olsen delivering a remarkable performance. Her beauty is undeniable, but it’s her ability to blend her emotional depth with physical acting that truly sets her apart, making her one of the most accomplished actors today. Every aspect of her – her breath, her gaze, her musculature, even the way she moves – contributes to this performance. Olsen manages to create something extraordinary as a complex character grappling with a damaged maternal archetype.

The interactions between these talented actors, including Patel who also delivers a strong performance, are particularly captivating. Patel’s character might not have the inner complexity of some male roles, but he holds his own in this intriguing dynamic.

‘The Assessment’ Has a Cool Coda and a Cruel Minnie Driver

The final scene of the movie offers a surprising twist, broadening the scope of “The Assessment” beyond the solitary setting we’ve been confined to for about 90 minutes. This climactic, thrilling finale provides a sense of resolution for each character while simultaneously encouraging interpretation about their current state, past journey, and future direction. Additionally, it adds depth to the reality portrayed in “The Assessment“, causing one to reconsider all previous events. Instantly, I found myself longing to rewatch or skip ahead to a hypothetical sequel.

In the heart of the movie lies an enchanting dinner party scene that offers crucial background information and introduces a select bunch of characters at perfectly timed intervals. Minnie Driver’s performance is particularly captivating as she portrays a boisterous and skeptical antagonist. She’s both comically amusing and heart-wrenchingly sad, stirring curiosity about the film’s themes such as power dynamics, social class, luxury, and the end of times. The setting assumes a life of its own, from the peculiar Mondrian-esque house to the unsettling, never-ending terrain, and the thunderous, rugged coastline.

The Assessment”

In simple terms, “The Assessment” stands out as an exceptional science fiction film that doesn’t rely on elaborate special effects, intense action sequences, or expansive universe-building to captivate audiences. The movie easily passes the test of quality, and it might even leave you questioning whether you, as well as humanity, are truly ready for what’s at stake.

Catch it in theaters on March 21, 2025, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

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2025-03-21 07:04