The Assessment

The Assessment is the kind of science fiction that lingers long after the credits roll—a sharp, unsettling vision delivered with stunning precision by A24. It presents a world where the pursuit of immortality comes at the price of sterility, forcing society into a rigorously monitored birth system managed by an enigmatic state. The scenario is compelling, a thoughtful exploration of humanity's ceaseless desire to persist—even in a world where existence seems increasingly untenable. At its core, the film deftly interrogates profound questions: What does it mean to be a parent? To what lengths will one go to satisfy personal desires rooted in past traumas? These questions play out through the film’s intimate lens on a couple, portrayed with intricate subtlety by Elizabeth Olsen and her counterpart. Olsen’s nuanced performance vividly captures a reluctant participant willing to make sacrifices for her partner's happiness, a tension underscored by subtle yet powerful details, like the AI voice adjusted to resemble his mother. The film introduces a fascinating dynamic through the role of the "assessor"—a figure who invades the couple’s private life for a week, holding absolute, irrevocable power over their future as potential parents. This reversal of power dynamics is ingeniously unsettling, forcing characters—and viewers—to navigate the treacherous waters between resistance and acquiescence. The assessor embodies both authority and child-like vulnerability, blurring traditional boundaries and enhancing the film’s psychological intensity. Visually, The Assessment is remarkable. Every frame, every wardrobe choice, each pulse of the soundtrack contributes seamlessly to a believable, hauntingly plausible world. The VFX work is outstanding, crafting environments that feel authentic and lived-in despite their high-concept origins. Yet the film is not without flaws. A late-stage narrative reveal involving the assessor’s traumatic past feels unnecessary, an attempt to parallel Olsen’s own aquatic childhood which ends up muddled rather than meaningful. Additionally, the broader world-building occasionally feels incomplete, relying heavily on implied societal fears and obedience without sufficiently grounding the viewer in the broader context or mechanisms of control. Still, these shortcomings scarcely diminish the power of the narrative. The Assessment offers no easy answers or comforting resolutions. Its ending is extraordinary precisely because it fosters deep empathy and understanding for all its characters, each a cog within a machine too vast and impersonal to challenge. It’s not a happy ending, but a profoundly satisfying one, leaving audiences to grapple with the rich complexities it boldly presents. Despite minor reservations, The Assessment remains a brilliant piece of science fiction cinema, deserving of a solid four out of five stars.

such a boring and pointless movie, and Patel is a horrible actor.

I found the film to be both cold and sensual with the women stealing the show (both the characters and actresses) with the leading man seeming to serve to only hold them back.

Honestly, nothing good has hit the theaters until this movie… I’m such a huge fan of dystopian movies and this was a great investment of $20!!

The acting was really good, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed this film all that much and I have some guilt inside because of this. It reminded me a lot of Ex Machina in that the actual plot seemed to be secondary to the underlying messages about humanity. With that being said it did have a very strong and relevant message about how we as a society devalue the important work and lives in general of women in our society.

Good movie, I don’t wanna spoil it but there was some good twists!

Bleak dystopian chamber play with fantastic performances especially from Vikander that’ll leave an engaged audience member pondering on the questions raised.

If there's one effective way to convey the importance of not having children before you're ready, this film achieves it brilliantly, but this is not the point of this movie but I prefer to see it that way for my own peace of mind. A captivating drama and sci-fi masterpiece, great acting from both female leads and a superb directorial effort.

Breathtakingly original and ambitious dystopian tale. I enjoyed it immensely.

Although concept felt fresh, it was a bit too far reaching and story telling failed towards the end and somewhat soporific in middle. It definitely ain’t the feel good movie of the year. Ultimately, I was never enlightened, just mostly bored.