Movies

Before you conceive, you need to pass a test in the semi-chilling ‘The Assessment’

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A common, albeit sarcastic remark about other people’s misbehaving children often sounds something like this: It seems you require a permit to have a pet, yet anyone can have a child.

Step into the realm of speculative cinema with me, where the question “what if” takes a chilling turn in the intriguing yet somewhat underdeveloped film, “The Assessment.” In this dystopian future, the concept of state-mandated parental suitability is taken to an extreme, and Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel portray a seemingly flawless couple yearning for parenthood. However, they must first endure a week of rigorous testing to make their dream a reality. The scrutiny unfolds in their sleek, seaside abode, under the watchful eye of the stern yet enigmatic Virginia, masterfully played by Alicia Vikander. Her unconventional evaluation techniques push Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel) to the edge of personal disintegration.

As a movie enthusiast, I find it intriguing that rehearsals might not be the key in this case. The world depicted by screenwriters Dave Thomas and Nell Garfath-Cox, along with John Connelly, is far from ordinary, more like an artificial, sterile environment filled with bureaucratic order. This unique atmosphere is skillfully brought to life under the direction of Fleur Fortuné, making her feature film debut after building a reputation in music videos.

However, much like many directors transitioning from short-form success to long-form narrative, “The Assessment” initially feels intense and evocative. But upon closer inspection, our desire for richer emotional and thematic depth reveals its limitations.

Feeding a small mouth is a precious responsibility in times of scarcity, even on a planet where advanced pharmaceuticals have prolonged life for a select few amid climate devastation, resource depletion, and population control. Scientists Mia and Aaryan are not idle in their secluded, stylish corner of this world: Mia is working tirelessly to address sustainable food issues within a densely cultivated greenhouse, while Aaryan is meticulously creating virtual pets (ensuring the texture of their fur feels real) in his vast, futuristic lab, a response to the mass culling of animals that occurred years ago. Shouldn’t responsible individuals who follow the rules be allowed to become parents?

Entertainment & Arts

Despite the enigmatic figure pretending to be in various stages of childhood, blurring the boundaries, appears determined to undermine their cautious optimism. Vikander, perhaps sensing how uniquely captivating this kind of role is for her, transforms Virginia into a chilling display of controlled wildness. Each day presents new trials — managing a tantrum, constructing a playhouse, hosting a dinner (Minnie Driver delivers an exceptional portrayal as a particularly bitter guest) — that test the couple’s limits and prompt deeper reflections not just on their relationship but on their identities and emotions regarding the situation.

In a skillful manner, the film subtly combines dry wit and ominous undertones about the situation, maintaining this balance for quite some time, despite the encroaching shadows on their ambitions and aspirations. Olsen, in particular, portrays the fissures in the polished exterior of a clever, virtuous, yet doubtful character with great finesse. However, as the movie approaches its peak regarding themes such as parenthood, power, mortality, and bonding, it struggles to deliver a climax that matches the unsettling impact of its first two-thirds.

As a movie enthusiast, I found it disappointing when the filmmakers decided to dismantle one of the main, intriguing mysteries late in the movie by attempting an explanation that felt awkwardly written. The intended heart-wrenching twist seemed out of place compared to the tense balance of moods Fortuné had established effectively. The film’s atmosphere was further enhanced by Magnus Jonck’s crisp and layered cinematography, Jan Houllevigue’s thoughtful production design, and Alicia Vikander’s chilling portrayal that could have given Dr. Benjamin Spock sleepless nights.

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2025-03-22 20:01

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