In a not-so-distant future, where resources are scarce and tightly controlled, even the dream of having a child is not a given. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are one of the few couples allowed to take a mysterious assessment for the right to have a child, having successfully navigated a brutal selection process. Desperate to prove themselves eligible, they face their evaluator, Virginia (Alicia Vikander) —cold, unpredictable, and impossible to read. Subjected to seven grueling days of challenges, Mia and Aaryan are pushed to the brink. Trials unravel into a psychological nightmare, forcing them to face their deepest insecurities, shaking the foundations of their relationship and what being parents really means to them.

For in-depth thoughts on The Assessment, please see my colleague Kelly Kantrowitz’s review from its original festival release here.

Video Quality

The Assessment comes to Blu-Ray with a fetching AVC encoded 1080p transfer that soars in all of the ways you want the format to deliver. The transfer shows off with an impressive level of detail in even the subtlest aspects of the house and surrounding terrain. The hues are not the most vibrant, given the dystopic nature of the story, but there are some complex colors within the production design that make an impression. Black levels are largely deep with only a couple of instances of crush spotted in some shadowy corners. Skin tones are natural throughout with plenty of character in close-up shots. The picture is crisp and clear with only brief downturns during a few darker scenes. This is a great transfer from Magnolia Home Entertainment that has no major deficiencies.

Audio Quality

The film arrives on Blu-Ray with a worthy DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track. One of the star aspects of the story is the interview process which features many blunt exchanges with ideal clarity. The dialogue and sound effects are capably balanced with the score where nothing gets drowned out in the track. The movie provides a memorable array of environmental sounds, such as the nearby ocean, that yield an immersive atmosphere for the story. Surround channels achieve exceptional activity both in the house and outside. The low end of the track is not engaged with traditional action, but it digs deep when the story calls for it. This track shows up for an unbeatable viewing experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

There are no special features provided on this disc.

Final Thoughts

The Assessment is an unsettling sci-fi narrative that makes the audience question their own capacity to withstand the potential titular procedure, as well as their complicity in a society that has devolved to such a level. Some of the developments could seem a bit silly if they were not executed by some of the finest performers of the current generation. Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander are particularly captivating, and it is a treat to see them bouncing off of one another. There is an undercurrent of dark humor that works quite well, and the film leaves you with some concepts to chew on after the credits have finished rolling. Magnolia Home Entertainment has delivered a great A/V presentation but nothing in the way of special features. If you like a humanistic sci-fi drama, this is worth your time. Recommended

The Assessment is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Magnolia Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.