The Assessment has now landed on Prime Video, and we won't blame you if the first time you've heard of the movie is when you spotted it on the streaming service. Despite featuring an actual MCU star (Elizabeth Olsen) and two other notable names in its lead trio (Himesh Patel and Alicia Vikander), the thought-provoking sci-fi skipped a cinema release in the UK and only received a limited theatrical release in the US. But cinema's loss is our gain as we can now settle in for The Assessment on Prime Video. (If you're not a subscriber, you could even watch it for free by taking advantage of Amazon Prime's 30-day free trial.)
The movie is set in the near future where climate change has wrecked the planet and parenthood is strictly controlled. Despite the challenges, Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel) decide to undertake the seven-day assessment to earn the right to have a child, but their assessor Virginia (Vikander) turns it into a psychological nightmare. Sounds good, right? If you're still undecided, we're here to give you three reasons why you should definitely watch The Assessment.
1. It's Alicia Vikander's Best Role in Years
For many, Alicia Vikander's best-ever role is in Ex Machina, but – and we don't want you to feel old here – that was 11 years ago. She then won an Oscar in 2015 for The Danish Girl and has had some decent roles since, such as in The Green Knight and Irma Vep, but it's been a mixed bag. The Assessment, however, gives her a chance to shine with a complex character that reminds us why we were so wowed with her in Ex Machina. Virginia is inscrutable and genuinely unsettling, especially once she starts pretending to be a child from day two of her assessment of Mia and Aaryan. It's chilling to watch her play the couple off each other and, in one harrowing moment, take advantage of one of them in the darkest way (we'll keep spoilers out of here). The most impressive aspect of Vikander's performance is that despite all the oddity, she makes Virginia feel wholly human too as the movie enters its final act. You wouldn't want to spend seven days with Virginia assessing your every move, but you will want to revisit Vikander's exceptional performance.
2. It's Relatable
Even though it's set in the near future, the centrepiece of The Assessment is a horror that we can all relate to: a dinner party. The party forms part of Mia and Aaryan's assessment and sees Aaryan's ex-girlfriend Serena (Charlotte Ritchie), her new partner Holly (Leah Harvey), Aaryan's mum Ambika (Indira Varma), Mia's former boss/lover Walter (Nicholas Pinnock) and his wife Evie (Minnie Driver) invited. That's the dinner party line-up from hell, and the 15-minute sequence is terrific, full of sharp jibes, hidden truths revealed and Virginia making it as cringeworthy as possible for Mia and Aaryan. It's worth the watch alone, and adds to the reality of The Assessment despite the sci-fi concept as the movie also explores existential themes such as what does it mean to truly live and the fear that past traumas might directly impact what we can do with our lives. Deep stuff, for sure, but also often darkly funny as in the dinner party sequence.
3. It Will Leave You Guessing
In part because the movie itself leaves you with more questions than answers about this particular version of the future, The Assessment is the kind of movie that you truly don't know where it's all heading. It's never entirely clear just how good of a job Mia and Aaryan are doing at their assessment, or even what the criteria for success is. For some viewers, that could prove frustrating, but the central trio of performances are so strong that you'll likely be gripped all the same. The destination also proves to be a fascinating one, likely to leave you with plenty to chew over as to what you'd actually do in the same situation. Hopefully, we'll never get to the actual situation of The Assessment, but the best sci-fi is the kind that is horrifyingly plausible.
The Assessment is now available to watch on Prime Video. Movies Editor, Digital Spy Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor. Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.
The Assessment film review features Alicia Vikander putting prospective parents through the wringer. Amazon Prime just added a sci-fi thriller with Oscar winner that 'needs more buzz'. It has been added to the service without much fanfare. Amazon Prime has just thrown a hidden gem into the mix with an 'under the radar' sci-fi thriller that's left viewers on edge. The second to none streaming platform has expanded its ever-evolving treasury of cinematic pieces with The Assessment from today (May 8). The film features a blockbuster roll call, starring Marvel's beloved Elizabeth Olsen and the multi-talented Himesh Patel, recognizable from EastEnders to Yesterday fame. Joining the duo is Charlotte Ritchie of Ghosts and You acclaim, alongside Minnie Driver and the Academy Award-winning Alicia Vikander. As per the film's official synopsis, we're thrust into a near-future where childbearing comes with strings attached—courtesy of government control. A couple embarks on a haunting seven-day vetting process for the privilege to parent, only to find their lives spiralling into a waking nightmare, prompting them to reckon with the very bedrock of their world.
Critics have lavished the flick with an 83% fresh rating on the Rotten Tomatoes barometer. Applause has been heaped upon its story-driven narrative and thematic depth, eschewing reliance on flashy CGI fireworks, reports Surrey Live. Accolades for the sublime camera work, spell-binding central performances, and the movie's resonating themes that stick with viewers as the credits roll. One reviewer was particularly moved, stating: "From the score to the performances to the cinematography, script, and direction, The Assessment is a singular work I won't soon forget and (the director) Fortuné crafts some imagery here unlike anything that has come before in cinema." TV lovers can get 30 days' free access to binge tantalising TV like Molly-Mae: Behind It All and The Boys by signing up to Amazon Prime. Just remember to cancel at the end and you won't be charged.
Another remarked: "Chilling because it's both outlandish and alarmingly grounded and plausible, this sci-fi drama is likely to be scrutinised in your own dome long after the credits roll." The film has similarly left a lasting impression on cinema-goers who’ve caught an early glimpse, with many singing high praises for Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander’s portrayals. A fan shared online: "Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander deliver phenomenal performances. This was a great dystopian sci-fi thriller, and had me constantly guessing what was coming next." Another curious movie enthusiast questioned the lack of pre-release chatter on social media platforms, commenting: "This movie needs more buzz. It's going under the radar for no reason. Alicia Vikander brings in the big guns as she drives home a performance that rivals her role in Ex Machina." They endorsed Vikander's range: "She gets to play the gamut of emotions here, from adult to child to toddler.. it's an actor's dream! There are so many scenes in this movie that will be discussed for ages to come." Meanwhile, another viewer encapsulated the experience of watching the film with their thoughts: "What a movie. It's so uncomfortable. But in a good and bad way, like the bad is good. Definitely one of the more interesting sci-fi films." They gushed about the film, saying: "The story is very different and interesting, I was left deeply disturbed yet amazed and still curious. And on top of that, the acting? Fantastic. Seriously everyone did a great job but Elizabeth and Alicia- holy. Fabulous performances. I know this is an independent film but I really hope this gets some recognition. It was that good." The Assessment is streaming on Amazon Prime.
