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

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.

Ticket platform StubHub files for IPO

Last year, StubHub reported a net loss of $2.8 million on revenue of approximately $1.77 billion. This is a significant decrease compared to their net income of $405 million on revenue of around $1.37 billion in the year 2023. As per their SEC filing made public on Friday, this decline was also noticeable in their adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which stood at $299 million for 2024 – a decrease from the previous year, but still significantly higher than the $57-million loss they experienced in 2022.