‘The Assessment’ Review: Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen Test Each Other in a Smart, Stripped Down Sci-Fi Parable About Parenting

As a seasoned film enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds that cinema offers, I must say that “The Assessment” is a unique gem that stands out among the crowd. The film’s idiosyncratic approach to a dystopian future, coupled with its strong visual style and brilliant performances, makes it a must-watch for any discerning viewer.


In “The Assessment,” Aaryan (Himesh Patel) invests a significant amount of time manipulating artificial animal skin, having devised a tactile virtual simulation to substitute for the animals that were nearly wiped out in a catastrophic event. Occasionally, the material feels too rigid, overly synthetic, but he’s undeniably onto an intriguing concept. The sci-fi element gives Fleur Fortuné’s robust and darkly humorous feature a delightful sheen. In truth, this debut, which made its world premiere at the Toronto International Festival, is so unique that it might have been even more captivating if it had discarded its genre elements entirely.

Removing the dystopian setting might diminish Fortuné’s opportunity to display his exceptional visual flair as a filmmaker, showcase impressive production design by Jan Houllevigue, and present a bold score by Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch that perfectly conveys the growing scarcity of human connection. However, the intricate plot written by Nell Garfath Cox, Dave Thomas, and John Donnelly makes additional embellishments less essential. The audience can easily empathize with Aaryan and his partner Mia (played by Elizabeth Olsen) as they undergo an evaluation to determine their worthiness as parents, without relying on the allegory provided by the dystopian backdrop. When Virginia (portrayed by Alicia Vikander) visits their coastal home, Mia is compelled to inquire about Virginia’s preferences for a potential adoptive parent; Virginia’s response is enveloped in more secrecy than usual, even for someone as reserved as a state representative.

In “The Assessment”, Aaryan and Mia reside in a part of Earth that’s separated from the mainstream world, known as the “old world” and their inhabited place, which is considered a better spot due to strict population control making the once unbearable climate livable again. The movie largely avoids elaborate explanations about this divided planet, focusing instead on the intriguing ordeal Mia and Aaryan face in proving themselves to a stranger.

As a film enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed Alicia Vikander’s spirited portrayal of the mischievous Virginia in “The Assessment.” She delved into a trove of quirks that we rarely see her exhibit outside her partnership with Swedish colleague Lisa Langseth in “Hotell” and the 2017 film “Euphoria.” I found Dev Patel and Jeremy Olsen equally compelling as the rattled duo of scientists, who, although capable of managing childcare responsibilities, might struggle to endure this week-long trial.

Despite everyone involved carefully considering the story’s consequences, the ending feels somewhat less fulfilling compared to the buildup because it introduces numerous profound ideas that it only partially explores due to time constraints. However, “The Assessment” manages to keep a fine balance between intellectual depth and emotional resonance throughout. Interestingly, while the film portrays a society growing detached from humanity, it surprisingly demonstrates a strong human touch in its execution.

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2024-09-13 03:17