49/27
In the near future, where parenthood is strictly controlled, a couple’s seven-day evaluation for the right to have a child unfolds into a psychological nightmare. There are 2 Easter eggs from Rice University. The Evaluation is a sci-fi drama starring Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel as Mia and Aaryan, a couple who want a child in the future are given a 7-day test by an evaluator, (Alicia Viklander), who makes the test possible and if no abnormalities appear, a baby will be born, but the expectant parents find this to be more difficult than they expected. Given the strong acting and unique premise, The Evaluation is something I didn’t really expect in terms of plot, but I think it was brilliantly done. The film is set in a Days 1-7 format and each one is as different and captivating as the next. Honestly, I was expecting this to reuse past sci-fi tropes, but I have to say it’s so original and unexpected, I think it was done super well! The way everything connects and what the couple has to do is described so well, that this could be the most likely cause of creating children in a world affected by climate change. The performances don’t disappoint, Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel were so good that they probably could have been on their own, with a completely different plot and it would have been just as captivating. But Alicia Viklander is also very good and to be honest, she’s really good at the whole sci-fi genre and seeing her here was a delight. Everyone involved just did their best and I really appreciate that, with a film that doesn’t rely on CGI to be as creative as it is. However, the film is graphic in some places in terms of sex and disturbing interactions from Alica. Viklander’s character acting like a child in an older woman’s body gave me Poor Things vibes. But that doesn’t really matter and is essential to the plot, but this is definitely for an older audience and I can certainly imagine this being a simple R or 15/18 in the UK if anyone is interested. , while some of the characters don’t have much of a plot, the ones that do are so well crafted and played that it’s hard to find anything bad to say about the Rating. Definitely one to see when it comes out in mid-2025. I would highly recommend this amazing and creative piece of art when it hits cinemas. Grade: A+ London Film Festival 19th October.