The Assessment

In a future where limited resources have made bringing new life into the world subject to strict regulation, aspiring parents (Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel) must undergo a complicated application procedure to determine whether or not the governing forces see them fit and approve their request for procreation. In charge of the assessment process is an inscrutable young woman embodied by Alicia Vikander.

The Assessment marks French filmmaker Fleur Fortuné’s feature debut, however, her history of directing music videos has equipped her with a sharp eye for compelling scene composition and colour schemes, resulting in a confident visual style. Even as the science fiction elements are scaled-down and comparatively low-key, the delicate details in which this specific dystopia presents itself – outlandish food creations, for instance – help generate a sinister ambience within this sense of normalcy.

One of the feature’s greatest strengths is the dire realism of the scenario, complete with non-partisan political undertones and legitimate concerns for speculation. Unfortunately, the script is initially bogged down by expositional dialogue introducing the dystopian environment the story takes place in. Not only can this excessive explaining be detrimental in keeping the viewer’s attention (especially since streaming platforms are the likely destination for this film after its festival run), it also undermines the audience’s ability to connect the dots and fill in blanks for themselves. Further, the rapid succession of events in the finale barely leaves room to breathe and easily could have used some of the precious minutes spent on set-up.

The fact that the cast is limited to three actors creates an intense interplay of forces. One of the rather few actresses who seem to actively seek new challenges to take them out of their comfort zone, Vikander’s fearless abandon proves the powerhouse of the production. In particular, her scenes with Olsen are utterly intoxicating to watch.

Fans of last year’s The Pod Generation and similar Black Mirror-ish musings on the progression of mankind will love The Assessment and one can only hope that the discussions these works inspire will halt any real implementation of these ideas.

Selina Sondermann

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the London Film Festival website here.