As domestic violence is a crisis that should be declared a global epidemic, it is surprising that there are no organizations assessing whether couples planning to become parents are actually suitable for the role. The issue is not just about financial stability or benevolence. Raising children is not easy; it requires certain prerequisites before you can even consider bringing one into the world.
Written by John Donnelly, Nelgar Face-Cox, and Dave Thomas and directed by Fleur Fortuné, “Assessment” brilliantly captures the seven-day assessment process. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aryan (Himesh Patel) desperately want a baby. However, in the world they live in, due to population control, governments require couples to be evaluated first. When evaluator Virginia (Alicia Vikander) is assigned to their assignment, she travels to their beautiful home and begins a process involving a variety of psychological tests that might make any sane person People go crazy.
“Assessment” is an extremely intelligent psychological thriller that offers a lot to dig into. From the moment the evaluator arrived, everything went off the rails. Without giving too much away, as you watch Mia and Aryan try to prove how great they are together and that they can be model parents, you start to wonder if they really are. The techniques used by evaluators are so painful that it’s hard to imagine how anyone could endure such a process in real life.
I absolutely loved every moment of Alicia Vikander’s performance as she was sizing up the couple. Are you crazy? Absolutely. out of control? really. Is it too much? undoubtedly. But there are a few key scenes that highlight why the Assessor needs to be who she is. The seven-day ordeal is so excruciating that you wish it would end as soon as possible, but the entire story hinges on one simple rule: the evaluator’s decision is final and cannot be reversed. With no room for compromise, Virginia stopped at nothing to prove her point, seizing every opportunity to find reasons why the couple’s parents’ application should fail.
Under the direction of Fleur Fortuné, the film is renowned for its precise control of narrative, acting and production design. Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen deliver truly remarkable performances in “Assessment.” Vikander’s portrayal of the unyielding evaluator Virginia is simply mesmerizing, as she brings a complex intensity to the role that keeps the audience on edge throughout the film. Olsen, on the other hand, elegantly captures Mia’s vulnerability and determination, making her character both relatable and compelling. Their performances elevate the film into an unforgettable psychological thriller, making “Assessment” an absolute must-see.
The only remaining step in the evaluation process is to check that the potential parent’s gun is loaded—an omission that seems insignificant in a process where everything else is scrutinized exhaustively. While the scope of the inspection can be scary, the idea of this rigorous evaluation is important. In a world where children’s lives are at risk, perhaps such a system can save lives by ensuring that those who choose to become parents are truly prepared to take on the responsibility.
