Fleur Fortuné’s The Assessment feels like an extended but exceptionally crafted episode of Black Mirror, immersing viewers in an eerily plausible future where parenthood is no longer a right but a privilege. The film's exceptional world-building, impeccable set design and standout performances elevate it into something truly special—one of the better films of the year.
Set in a dystopian society where aspiring parents must pass a grueling seven-day evaluation, the story follows Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) as they undergo an unsettling trial administered by the enigmatic Virginia (Alicia Vikander). What begins as a bureaucratic process quickly morphs into an emotionally harrowing nightmare, pushing the couple—and the audience—to question the very fabric of societal control and human nature.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its aesthetic. The house where the assessment takes place is a marvel of production design—somehow managing to feel both archaic and futuristic, like a minimalist fortress with an unsettling warmth. This environment adds to the film’s immersive tension, crafting an atmosphere that is as oppressive as it is fascinating. It’s a world that feels lived-in, a place where Luke Skywalker could have grown up, yet entirely unique in its own right.
Alicia Vikander delivers an astonishing performance, portraying Virginia with an unnerving duality. She initially carries herself with an almost android-like detachment, exuding a mechanical grace that feels both nun-like and robotic. Yet, as the film progresses, she transforms into something else entirely—a petulant child, a sadistic judge, a fractured soul. Her ability to embody such starkly different personas, often within moments of each other, is nothing short of mesmerizing. The transition is so convincing that it’s easy to forget it’s the same actress playing both roles.
Elizabeth Olsen, once again proving why she is the standout Olsen sibling, gives a career-best performance as Mia. While her controlled stillness evokes the precision of a tightly wound thriller, she also delves into completely unhinged territory, bringing raw emotional depth to a character who is both a prisoner and a participant in this psychological battle. Meanwhile, Himesh Patel’s restrained yet powerful performance perfectly complements Olsen’s, creating a compelling dynamic that anchors the film’s emotional core.
The dinner scene alone is a masterclass in tension, evoking the unbearable awkwardness of The Bear’s infamous Thanksgiving episode. Watching Virginia unleash pure, childish chaos at the table made for one of the most anxiety-inducing sequences I’ve seen in recent memory—something any parent or caregiver will likely relate to. As a father myself, the moment when Mia and Aaryan were forced to complete a task overnight, only to have it scrutinized the next morning resonated deeply. It brought back memories of staying up late on Christmas Eve to assemble toys just in time for my child to wake up—a moment of personal connection that made the film’s themes even more impactful.
The film’s lo-fi sci-fi aesthetic works to its advantage, allowing its thought-provoking themes to shine rather than be overshadowed by elaborate effects. It’s reminiscent of the works of Denis Villeneuve, Ray Bradbury, and Andrei Tarkovsky—filmmakers who understand that science fiction is at its most powerful when it reflects the human condition. Themes of triangulation, narcissism, and even incest are woven throughout, adding layers of discomfort and intrigue.
The score is equally haunting, with a particular standout moment featuring Elizabeth Olsen singing a lullaby in a chilling, pivotal scene. The film’s sound design further enhances the unease, blending organic and artificial elements to create a world that is as oppressive as it is fascinating.
If there’s one minor shortcoming, it’s the ending. While the film maintains a pulse-pounding intensity throughout, the conclusion, while solid, lacks the gut punch I was expecting. It’s more of a slow candle burn-out than an explosive finale. That said, the journey more than makes up for any slight fizzle at the end.
At just under two hours, The Assessment delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience that never overstays its welcome. A breath of fresh air in the sci-fi landscape, it paints a chillingly plausible vision of the future. Whether you walk away exhilarated or unsettled, one thing is certain—The Assessment lingers long after the credits roll. Personally, I haven’t been able to shake it for days.
Jessie Hobson