La evaluación

Greetings again from the darkness. Authors and filmmakers have long used forecasting the future as the basis for stories. Some have been lighthearted and humorous ("The Jetsons", BACK TO THE FUTURE) and others are more bleak and dystopian (BLADE RUNNER, THE ROAD). The first feature film from director Fleur Fortune (well known for music videos) has some common DNA with the excellent CHILDREN OF MEN (2006) from director Alfonso Cuaron. Written by Neil Garfath Cox, Dave Thomas, and John Donnelly, this story shows us a future where having a kid is a privilege that must be bestowed by the government, rather than free choice.

Mia (Elizabeth Olsen, MARTHA MAY MARLENE, 2011) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel, YESTERDAY, 2019) have built a life and marriage in a desolate area. Mia has a greenhouse where she grows food, and Aaryan has a Virtual Reality room where he experiments with realistic innovations. Both are aiming to improve life of others. They believe that a missing link in their life is a child, and agree to go through the 'assessment' process. When Virginia (Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, THE DANISH GIRL, 2015) arrives, she explains that, as the assessor, her decision is the final word. Mia and Aaryan express that they will be "good parents". Virginia smiles and relays that everyone says that.

The assessment is a seven-day process and calling it bizarre definitely undersells it. At times, Virginia kicks into childlike mode, testing the parental instincts of Mia and Aaryan. It's during these segments where the story gets a bit ridiculous, despite Virginia's explanation that she needs full access to their emotions and reactions (and intimate methods). During a strange dinner party - set up by Virginia - we get discussions of the "old world" existence and the rumors associated with it.

Analysis of the psychology of folks during such times can be quite enlightening, but despite the intriguing concept, the execution leaves us a bit frustrated with the holes and goofy moments. The third act is especially confounding, although we completely understand Mia's quest for answers. Everything circles back to early on when Mia and Aaryan first ask Virginia, "Are we good enough?". We feel their desperation, but once we learn their catchphrase exchange, "I love you. That's right.", we know this isn't headed to unicorns and rainbows.

Opens on March 21, 2025.

Given the rating that was 6.9 at the time, I expected much better than I received. In short, You're told that the world has split into two. One where the air is purified somehow and the old which was soiled. Almost nothing is told about this process and the film tries to stick to just one issue. People are limited to having no children unless given permission. An assessor will come to the house to determine whether a child may be produced. In comes Alicia vikander.

She then proceeds to act like a child for much of the rest of the movie. At times it is incredibly silly and not believable. The actors do a fantastic job in selling the concept, but but she goes in and out of character at times that you don't know which version she is and the characters are understandably confused. Some of the reactions of the adults supposedly treating a child are understandable because they aren't dealing with a child. The test is inherently itself, not fair but you're asked to go along with it. But there was one absolutely ridiculous test, in which the answer is blatantly obvious to everyone but the tested person. Perhaps they thought it was a good idea on paper but it was executed so painfully that it was difficult to watch. There are also many holes in this script.

Minnie driver steals the show in the one scene that she appears. But in the end, which is rushed badly, you get to find out some answers which is standard dystopia. I didn't find redeeming qualities about this film whatsoever. The moral of the story is raising children can be a difficult experience. And the rest of the science fiction element is completely unexplored. It's only there to create cool effects and provide a reason for the assessment.

I completely admire the fine performances by the actors. But this bit of silliness is 2 hours of time. I really wish I had back. If you're a fan of frilly artistic portrayal with lots of diversity as part of our future, you might appreciate this. But it is completely superficial.

I had heard nothing about this movie except for seeing it on a list of recommended recent sci-fi movies and then seeing the great ratings. I would say it's more "sci-fi ish"; at it's core though it is a fantastic dystopian psychological thriller. All 3 main actors are doing a phenomenal job here (I wish we'd see Alicia Vikander in more stuff!) and it kept me engaged from beginning to end, even the scenes that are less easy to watch. I absolutely recommend it!

I was skeptical about watching this movie. I've been on a movie-marathon this summer & this is one of the movies you wouldn't want to miss!

Elizabeth Olsen surprises me every time. I believe she's one of the few actresses who can actually give an astounding performance in almost any genre.

Alicia Vikander, we've missed you. As I was watching 'The assessment', I couldn't help but remember 'Ex machina' where Alicia also starred in and had a similar genre.

I wanted more from this movie. I wanted more tragedy. More twists. More turmoil. This movie did indeed end shockingly. Hoping for a sequel!

Where are all of the reviews for this movie?! And why is it criminally underrated? Aren't we all tired of superhero popcorn flicks and ready for more movies with actual depth like this?

Now I know why Elizabeth Olsen has been playing in superhero crap roles lately. It's so that she could do this. "One for them, one for me" as they say. This is by far her best work. You can tell she worked so hard on this, physically, emotionally, she sold it. Apart from being the fittest and yet most feminine she's ever looked, she had this grace as her character that was so believable and not phoned in, especially her comedic moments like the first dining scene. She made it feel so real. Everyone did a fantastic job in this, especially Minnie Driver, who was a pleasant surprise with a great monologue, but Elizabeth outshined them all.

I'm not sure if I could watch this again with how intense it was, and knowing the ending. But this is one movie that should be seen by all. It's a smart, well written, emotionally nuanced and psychological thriller that should make you think. Yes it's Hollywood so they found a way to fit climate change in there, but it's also sci fi that feels meaningful, and actually possible rather than preachy. It actually left me wanting even more back story, though there was plenty.

Thank you to the writers, director and actors. Keep them coming.