THE ASSESSMENT Film Review (With a New Trailer)
What is The Assessment About?
In The Assessment, climate catastrophe has rendered most of the Earth uninhabitable. What remains is a carefully regulated safe zone for society’s elite, while criminals and the so-called “undesirables” are exiled to the wasteland of the Old World. Within this last habitable enclave, strict government control dictates every aspect of life—including who is allowed to have children. Due to limited resources, couples must undergo an intense seven-day “assessment” before they are permitted to become parents.
Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are confident in their abilities—she is a brilliant plant biologist and he is an accomplished AI specialist. However, when Virginia (Alicia Vikander) arrives to conduct their assessment, unexpected twists begin to unravel.
Virginia’s presence is both suffocating and mysterious. Initially neutral and professional, her behavior quickly becomes erratic as she pushes boundaries by observing intimate moments, orchestrating provocative social scenarios, and challenging the couple’s perception of privacy.
The Colour and Cinematography in The Assessment
From the opening frames, it’s clear that The Assessment shines in its visual world-building. Director Fleur Fortuné creates a sleek, controlled society where every element—from architecture to clothing—is meticulously designed.
The film’s aesthetics are driven by Magnus Jønck’s cinematography and Sarah Blenkinsop’s costuming, which together evoke a vibrant yet unnaturally precise world. Jan Holger’s production design reinforces an illusion of perfection, exemplified by Aaryan’s lab where synthetic pets, flawless yet lifeless, symbolize a society obsessed with appearances.
Alicia Vikander and the Performances
The cast delivers strong performances throughout the film. Olsen and Patel ground the narrative with authenticity as their characters gradually realize they’re caught in an enigmatic experiment.
However, it is Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of Virginia that truly captivates. Shifting between calm, menacing, and unhinged, Vikander’s performance infuses each scene with unpredictability and depth. One particularly striking moment occurs when Virginia blurs the line between observation and intrusion, challenging the couple’s intimacy in unsettling ways. Additionally, Anaya Thorley deserves praise for her brief yet impactful role as Amelia, a child whose candid questions offer a refreshing, darkly humorous perspective.
Final Thoughts
The Assessment is gripping, unnerving, and meticulously controlled for the majority of its runtime. However, its final act struggles to bring all the narrative threads together. While the film raises intriguing questions about control and autonomy, the conclusion lacks the clarity and precision that characterized its earlier segments.
Despite these limitations, the film is a striking debut. Its immersive world-building, stunning cinematography, and standout performances—especially from Alicia Vikander—make it a must-watch. Fleur Fortuné is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch, and her future projects are highly anticipated.
The Assessment Trailer and Release Date
Premiering at TIFF 2024, The Assessment is set for a March 21, 2025 release in the United States via Magnolia Pictures.
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