With domestic violence being a crisis that should be declared a global pandemic, it is surprising that no organization exists to assess whether couples planning to become parents are truly fit for the role. The issue is not about financial stability or kindness alone. Raising a child is not easy; it requires certain prerequisites before even considering bringing one into the world.

“The Assessment,” written by John Donnelly, Nell Garfath Cox, and Dave Thomas and directed by Fleur Fortuné, brilliantly captures an assessment process that unfolds over seven days. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are desperate to have children. However, in the world they inhabit, the government requires couples to be assessed first due to population control. When the assessor, Virginia (Alicia Vikander), is assigned to them, she arrives at their beautiful home to begin a process involving all sorts of psychological tests that could drive any sane person mad.

“The Assessment” is an extremely intelligent psychological thriller that offers a lot to unpack. From the moment the assessor arrives, everything goes off the rails. Without revealing too much, as you watch Mia and Aaryan struggle to demonstrate how great they are together and what exemplary parents they could be, you start to wonder if they truly are. The techniques used by the assessor are so gut-wrenching that it’s hard to imagine how anyone could endure such a process in real life.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of Alicia Vikander’s performance, as she was assessing the couple. Was it crazy? Absolutely. Out of control? Definitely. Was it too much? Without a doubt. But there are key scenes that highlight why the assessor needs to be the way she is. The seven-day ordeal is so excruciating that you want it to end soon, but the entire story hinges on one simple rule: the assessor’s decision is final and cannot be reversed. With no room for compromise, Virginia stops at nothing to prove her point, seizing every opportunity to find reasons to fail the couple’s application for parenthood.

Under Fleur Fortuné’s direction, the film is notable for its precise control of narrative, performance, and production design. Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen deliver truly extraordinary performances in “The Assessment.” Vikander’s portrayal of the unyielding assessor Virginia is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she brings a complex intensity to the character that keeps the audience on edge throughout the film. Olsen, on the other hand, captures Mia’s vulnerability and determination with a grace that makes her character both relatable and compelling. Together, their performances elevate the film to an unforgettable psychological thriller, making “The Assessment” an absolute must-watch.

The only step left in the assessment process is to check if the potential parents have a gun unloaded—an omission that seems minor in a process where everything else is exhaustively scrutinized. While the extent of the examination may be terrifying, the idea of such a rigorous evaluation feels important. In a world where children’s lives are at stake, perhaps a system like this could save lives by ensuring that those who choose to become parents are truly prepared for the responsibility.

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