MOVIE TITLE: The Assessment

Magnolia Pictures releases this dramatic Sci-fi thriller in theaters on March 21, 2025

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 53 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The film was directed by Fleur Fortune’. In her notes to the press, she described her desire and attempts to get pregnant to have her own child

Writing credits go to Neil and Dave Thomas and John Donnelly.

In the near future where parenthood is strictly controlled, a couple’s seven-day assessment for the right to have a child unravels into a psychological nightmare, forcing them to question the very foundations of their society and what it truly means to be human.

Already, the film has been nominated for several awards at several film festivals, such as Best Lead Performance, Best Debut Screenwriter.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored. There’s a lot of adults talking.
We see a woman wearing a revealing clothes (Elizabeth Olsen never wears a bra.)
We see the naked backside of a woman getting out of a bathtub.
Talk of the extermination of pets.
We see a couple getting frisky in several scenes with movement and sound effects.
A lesbian couple is represented.
Talk of an inappropriate affair
Some profanity, including F-bombs
Portrayal of a bloody suicide

THEMES:

Parenting
Government control
Humanity
Society
Dissident
Belonging
Marriage
Insecurities
Human relationships
Control vs. freedom
Environmentalism
Sacrifice
Population control

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast is really great and includes stellar performances by Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel. Other outstanding shoutouts go to Minnie Driver, Indira Varma, Nicholas Pinnock, Charlotte Ritchie, and Leah Harvey.
Fun fact: Alicia Vikander was one of the first IVF babies born in Sweden!
The film asks some very good questions such as why would people want to have children, what role should society play in that decision and the parenting of children.
I thought it was sweet to watch her talk to her plants. I do the same thing.
The food options look terrible. I sure hope that I don’t have to live in that future.
The technology, as well as the ocean outside the house offer lurking threats that increase the tension.
There’s a moment where a character breaks the fourth wall, which challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice.
I appreciated the symbolism of the delicate orchid which could relate so well to so many themes in the story: raising children, the connection to Mia’s mother and the old world, marriage.
If you’re a fan of Rice University, look for the Easter eggs.
There are plenty of moments that will make you feel discomfort and incredulity. I love movies that make you ask questions and think.
The set designs were interesting and provided an interesting dystopian environment.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Sometimes it’s hard to understand what people are saying either due to whispered conversations or sound effects that drown out dialogue.
It’s very artsy-fartsy. Some viewers won’t appreciate or understand certain elements.
Act 3 dragged a bit, making the movie feel long.
While there is some wit, there aren’t any humorous lines to break up the dramatic moments.
It makes parenting look absolutely difficult and horrible. Parenting IS hard, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do in your life. It pushes you in ways you never thought possible, but also makes your heart swell to previously unknown depths.

FUNNY LINES:

None. This is a serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“What if we’re not good enough?” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) “If we’re not, who is?” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel)
“I love you.” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel) “That’s right.” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen)
“I want a real child, not this.” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) “This is how we get a real child.” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel)
“It’s a choice. Parenthood is full of them.” – Virginia (Alicia Vikander)
“This society needs people who know what it’s like to love a child.” – Virginia (Alicia Vikander)