'The Assessment' Debuts in Theaters, Exploring Parenthood in a Dystopian Future

Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander reflect on the emotional challenges of their roles in Fleur Fortuné's directorial debut.

The sci-fi thriller 'The Assessment,' directed by Fleur Fortuné in her feature debut, is now showing in theaters after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.
Set in a dystopian future, the film follows a couple, played by Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel, as they undergo a government-mandated 'assessment' to determine their suitability as parents.
Elizabeth Olsen drew inspiration for her role from Michel Houellebecq's novel 'The Possibility of an Island,' which explores themes of cloning and dystopian societies.
Olsen and Alicia Vikander discussed the intensity of their roles, emphasizing how leaning into discomfort brought depth to their performances and strengthened their connection as actors.
The film raises philosophical questions about privilege, freedom, and societal norms surrounding parenthood, offering a thought-provoking narrative without overt messaging.