One aspect of a successful film is noticing how passionate a director is in bringing a story to life. With The Assessment, Fleur Fortuné pours her soul into telling a haunting story about parenthood from different angles. The film follows a couple, Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel), in a futuristic setting where partners have to undergo a test to be deemed fit to raise a child. Alicia Vikander plays Virginia, the assessor who pushes Mia and Aaryan to their limits.
During the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Fortuné shared that she felt connected to this story because she attempted different medical practices to get pregnant. Despite quitting after realizing how stressful it was, she relayed how lucky she was to now have a daughter; the way she channels her experience in this film feels therapeutic. Some audiences may have trouble with it, but it’s sure to draw many discussions at the very least.
‘The Assessment’ Is an Unsettling Look at Parenthood
The film is set in a large retro-themed home run by artificial intelligence. Despite its size, Fortuné evokes a claustrophobic feeling with her directorial style. As Mia and Aaryan continue the test, the camera movements are intentionally chaotic to represent a child. It’s surprising to know that this is Fortuné’s directorial film debut; her creative decisions are meaningful to the story and tone of the movie. The Assessment doesn’t dig deep into the characters played by Olsen and Patel because everything about their parenting style says it all.
Despite its premise and futuristic setting, the story is not so different from real life. Fortuné like many women, sought medical practices to get pregnant (she was vocal about her IVF treatment at the Q&A during the premiere); IVF, like pregnancy itself, is an incredibly difficult process, and oftentimes the mental toll taken is stronger than the physical. Once The Assessment is viewed through this lens, the trials conducted on Aryan and Mia take on a depth of meaning.
Most of the film is a great commentary on having children or not. The writing doesn’t attempt to judge those who want children or shame those who don’t. While the plot is fairly straightforward, the final act veers to a conclusion that doesn’t feel properly set up or hinted towards.
Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander, & Himesh Patel’s Performances Are Worthy of the Film’s Lofty Themes
A year after her previous TIFF film, His Three Daughters, Olsen continues to show off her emotional range as an actor. Mia is interesting to compare with her other character, Wanda Maximoff, specifically how she is in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Both roles portray Olsen putting everything on the line to be a mother. But what differentiates them is how Mia begins to question if a child is worth all the struggle she and Aaryan go through. Just like a how mother sacrifices everything for her child, Olsen holds nothing back in her performance.
At first, Patel’s Aaryan plays up the cool parent trope in The Assessment. Aaryan is the type of father the child favors because he doesn’t discipline them like a mother would. It initially comes off as annoying, but there’s a moment later in the film (which is arguably the toughest scene to watch) that shows how much he’s willing to sacrifice in order to be a parent — let this be your warning that the subject matter may be uncomfortable to many audiences.
Vikander undoubtedly deserves acclaim for her performance in the film. The different tests Virigina puts Mia and Aaryan through are where Vikander shines as an actor. She instantly embodies different personalities that’ll leave audiences in shock and awe. Her role is very reminiscent of Ava in Ex Machina; both characters are difficult to read because they can switch between caring and threatening with just a look. Vikander is sure to get some awards buzz whenever the film is given a wide release date.
‘The Assessment’ Is a Haunting Look at a Realistic Future
Along with her young daughter, The Assessment is Fortuné’s baby. This is an impressive directorial debut that will have audiences hooked. The performances from Olsen, Patel, and Vikander are all a masterclass in emotional range. With a subject as sensitive as parenthood, and the capability to bear a child, the film is left ambiguous regarding its moral and ending. While some open-ended films can feel frustrating, The Assessment handles it well enough to please audiences on both sides of the debate.
While the conclusion to The Assessment doesn’t land as hard as its stellar first two acts, the movie is a must-watch due to its social commentary and the talented performances from the cast. It may be intense for some, but it could also be therapeutic for others. Fortuné is off to a strong start as a film director, so it’ll be exciting to see what she tackles next.
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'The Assessment' Review | TIFF 2024
'The Assessment' Review | TIFF 2024The Good
- Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, and Alicia Vikander all give stellar performances.
- Fleur Fortuné's directing style feels like it's far beyond her years.
- 'The Assessment' doesn't shame either position of the social commentary being presented.
The Bad
- The third act isn't a satisfying conclusion to what was established beforehand.
