“The Assessment“ takes place in a future where parenthood is strictly controlled, as a couple must undergo a seven-day assessment for the right to have a child.

“The Assessment” is a little bit of everything. It’s heartbreaking, uplifting, stressful and packed with psychological warfare. The film triggers all of these emotions through its exploration of parenthood, along with themes of control and individualism. These ideas are placed on a collision course throughout the runtime. Parenthood is examined in ways rarely seen before. It’s certainly untraditional, and it redefines what it means to be a mother or father in strange, compelling ways.

This all unfolds in a dialogue-driven format. The simplicity of “The Assessment” allows conversations to take the lead in revealing who these characters are. While the story seems straightforward on the surface, it becomes something far more compelling by giving such a personal look into these two individuals’ lives.

All three main characters are fascinating, and each gets time to shine. Elizabeth Olsen is the standout as Mia, bringing depth and nuance to a character full of internal conflict. Her vocal inflections, body language and restraint say as much as the dialogue. Himesh Patel brings a more direct, scientific mindset to Aaryan. Alicia Vikander as Virginia is unpredictable, shifting tone and demeanor at will.

The strange situation Mia and Aaryan are placed in sets the stage for a profound character study. Their doubts, resentments and emotional unraveling create something tense and deeply human. When parts of their lives begin to collapse, it’s impactful. The film knows exactly how to draw out a response, whether subtle or devastating.

The editing, sound design and score all enhance the film’s tension. The day-by-day format helps as well, resetting the dynamic each time with new behaviors and tests.

The final 20 minutes hit like a wall. It’s not that the payoff feels unearned, just abrupt. The tone shifts hard, and the silence afterward speaks volumes. “The Assessment” leaves viewers with a lot to process, and that’s part of what makes it work.

It’s a dense and haunting look at parenthood through a dystopian lens. With a stimulating script and powerhouse performances, “The Assessment” leaves its mark — and may even be hinting at a future closer than we’d like to believe.

Rating: 5 out of 5