The Assessment 2025

In the near future, society enforces strict regulations on parenthood due to environmental collapse and resource scarcity. Prospective parents must undergo a rigorous seven-day assessment to determine their suitability for raising a child. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel), a married couple residing in a secluded, technologically advanced home beneath a protective dome, are eager to have a child. Mia is a dedicated botanist working on cultivating plant life, while Aaryan designs virtual reality pets to replace real animals that have been eradicated.

Their lives are disrupted by the arrival of Virginia (Alicia Vikander), the government-appointed assessor. Virginia, a stoic and enigmatic figure, informs the couple that she will be living with them for the next seven days to evaluate their potential as parents. If they fail the assessment, they will not ever be parents. She initiates a series of unconventional tests, including adopting the persona of a child, exhibiting behaviors ranging from tantrums to inquisitive questioning, forcing Mia and Aaryan to respond as they would to their own offspring. These scenarios expose underlying insecurities and unresolved conflicts within their relationship, leading to emotional outbursts and moments of vulnerability.

As the assessment progresses, Virginia’s methods become increasingly intrusive and manipulative. She orchestrates situations that pit Mia and Aaryan against each other, further straining their relationship. One pivotal moment occurs when Virginia arranges a dinner party, inviting neighbors and colleagues to observe the couple’s social interactions. The evening devolves into a series of awkward and revealing conversations, with guests challenging the couple’s readiness for parenthood. This event highlights their differing coping mechanisms under social scrutiny and intensifies the existing tensions.

After Mia receives a call about her sister being sick in the hospital, Virginia gives her a chance to go and see her until 6 in the morning. While Mia is gone, Virginia gets into bed with Aaryan, sexually assaults him and says that it will stay between them and is a part of the assessment. When Mia comes back, it is revealed that the call from the hospital was false and it was a mixup of names. The next day, Virginia burns down Mia’s greenhouse and nearly dies in the process, but she is rescued by Mia.

Virginia abruptly decides to fail them without any explanation. Aaryan admits to Mia about sleeping with Virginia. He creates a simulated baby to reconcile with her, but she rejects it.

Mia tracks down Virginia and learns that there were no successful applications in the last six years. Virginia had been offered the possibility of getting a child of her own to replace the daughter she had lost in exchange for failing all couples. She explains the assessment was only meant to provide hope.

In the aftermath, Virginia is assigned to assess another couple but chooses to commit suicide. Fed up with the oppressive nature of the New World, Mia decides to leave, seeking refuge in the Old World where her mother, a radical dissenter against the state’s policies, was exiled. Meanwhile, Aaryan has created simulated versions of a child who is growing up and also a simulated version of Mia.