This year's Toronto International Film Festival has been one for the books. One of the additions to this impressive slate was The Assessment by French filmmaker, Fleur Fortuné, someone who up until this year had only directed music videos. Having not seen any promotional material for the film, I had no idea what to expect from The Assessment. Little did I know this morning that I'd be walking into my favorite movie the festival had to offer...
The Assessment is a new dystopian sci-fi drama film. It tells the story of couple, Mia and Aaryan, played by Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel. They live in a near future where the entire world has been ravaged by climate change. In this new society, anyone seeking to have children must sign up for a seven day long "Assessment," where a state issued agent will live in their home for a week, observing their behavior and day-to-day lives to decide whether or not they will be approved to procreate. The role of the Accessor, Virginia is played by the incomparable, Alicia Vikander, who gives possibly the best performance of her career so far.
It's a question that's crossed everyone's mind at least once. There are so many needy kids in the world, so many children left without parents because the ones who brought them into the world weren't fit to parent them. So what if there was some sort of barrier of entry for being a parent? The Assessment attempts to answer that question.
The Assessment is a truly incredible film. Not only does it force the audience to think about human nature, but it's also an absolute feast for the senses. The production design by Jan Houllevigue is as unique as it is unsettling. The film relies on a very brutalist, cold, futuristic atmosphere, full of new technology, architecture, and means of survival. Its chilling dystopian setting is reminiscent of Ex Machina by Alex Garland, which coincidentally also stars Vikander. In addition, the special effects are truly something to behold. Its so visually engaging that despite being nearly two hours, I never found myself bored, my eyes were glued to the screen.
The Assessment is not only a visually amazing film, but it turns into an uncomfortable one very fast. As an "Accessor," Virginia observes Mia and Aaryan's sexual activities and eventually takes on the personality of a troublesome, bratty child. There's something so indescribably eerie about watching Alicia Vikander go from a stone cold professional in one scene to a five year old in the next. Its a performance reminiscent of some of Yorgos Lanthimos characters from the past decade. Her performance is so unnatural and uncanny, it made my skin crawl. Frankly, it's the most intriguing role I've seen the whole festival. While Vikander is certainly the standout, Olsen and Patel also play very fleshed out, believable characters that you can relate to and empathize with.
On paper, The Assessment has one of the most fascinating plots from TIFF this year, its a story that twists and turns so much, you'll never know what to expect. The writing keeps you on your toes and demands your attention until the final credits roll. I couldn't help but be reminded of other films like Blade Runner 2049 and The Lobster. In terms of writing, visuals, and production design, The Assessment could easily fit in A24's filmography. In fact I was shocked to see that they weren't involved at all.
I feel as though the world-building could have been more developed. It's clear that this film takes place in the future and occasionally government dissenters are banished to the "old world," but the exact reasons for how the characters came to live in this society isn't entirely clear. I'd say this would make a great series, but at the same time this movie has already said everything it has wanted to. The point has been made.
The Assessment is a visually awe-inspiring film with a powerful message and a roster of amazing performances. I can confidently say that it is one of the best things I have seen at the festival. It has my People's Choice Award vote and it was the perfect movie to close out a great year for TIFF! Thank you so much for keeping up with this year's coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival! We hope to see you next year!