The Assessment (2024) Movie Script
1
Mia?
Mia! Mia, come back!
Mia? Mia, come back!
Come back!
Mummy!
Atmospheric dome disturbances
within normal range.
This morning,
you swam 1409 meters
- at a stroke rate of...
- What's wrong with your voice?
Aaryan changed it.
Oh.
Do you like it?
I can live with it.
Suggested
Senoxidine dosage, one tab.
Atmospheric pressure
within the dome, one ATM.
Radioactivity levels,
within safe range.
Reduce coefficient
2.04 to 2.019.
Why is your texture so fuzzy?
Why does Sjhus
sound like your mother?
Are you serious?
I'm changing it back.
I'm teasing. I like it.
Why don't we have
something nice tonight?
I cultivated a new algae.
Maybe you can use it?
Sounds good.
Sjhus, how's pressure
in feed pipe four?
Lower than usual.
Shall I run diagnostics?
No, that's all right.
Pressure back to usual levels.
Hello.
You're not feeling too good?
I don't think
I'm gonna get much sleep.
Me either.
You want to go to bed anyway?
Hmm.
Is that too much?
No, that's great.
- Mm.
- Yeah. It's really much better.
Mm-hmm.
What if we're not good enough?
If we're not, who is?
It just makes me nervous.
It's all so secretive.
We'll be fine.
- Hey.
- Hmm.
I love you.
That's right.
Mia!
It's 6:00 a.m.
Your visitor has arrived.
Are you ready? Okay.
I'm Virginia. Your Assessor.
Your supporting material,
as previously reported,
places you in the top
0.1 percentile of citizens.
I'm therefore happy to confirm
that under Article 96,
you qualify
for in-person Assessment.
- Over the next seven days...
- Can I just ask someth...
There's a lot
to get through.
Sorry, I just...
Over the next seven days,
you'll undergo close observation
and formal testing
to ascertain suitability
for parenting.
In the event of a pass,
your material
will be passed on
for ex-utero gestation.
All other methods
of reproduction
still remain forbidden.
In the event of a fail,
candidates will be notified
immediately.
Candidates have the right
to withdraw from Assessment
at any point up to and including
the in-person questionnaire.
After which they waive
any and all right
to future applications.
Assessor's decision is final.
Clear?
- Yes.
- Absolutely.
Finally, you are reminded:
Everything that takes place
over the next seven days
is highly confidential.
And what are we
being assessed on exactly?
It's just a little...
opaque.
Opaque?
Not opaque... I just mean,
not clear.
- That is what opaque means.
- What Mia's trying to say is...
We couldn't find
any specific criteria,
that's what
I'm trying to say.
The less you know
in advance, the better.
I want to get to know
the real you.
- Is that a good idea?
- Yes.
I was joking.
Hmm.
Good.
Humor is important.
I'm sure
that everyone says this...
but I...
We would be
really great parents.
Everyone does say that.
So, who's first?
On a scale of one to ten,
how would you rate
your current levels
of satisfaction
with the relationship?
Nine, at least.
Describe Mia with three words.
Funny. Smart.
Sharp.
She can be a little sharp.
But I like that.
Keeps me on my toes.
We were in a lab
and he was absorbed
in some code.
And I don't know why
I took this moment to tell him,
but I said "I love you",
it just popped out and he said,
"That's right."
How often do you have sex?
- Once or twice a week.
- How are we defining sex?
Oral, manual,
anal or full.
Do you achieve regular climax?
Yes.
Every time?
Would you like some water?
Is that part of the test?
- No, just water.
- I'm fine. Thank you.
Tell me about your mother.
She expected a lot from me,
but...
it was good.
She was sent to the Old World
when my sister
and I were little,
so I only have a few memories.
- She was a dissident?
- Yes.
Do you have any differences
with the State?
No. Does it not say this
in my file?
Why do you want
a child?
We know how lucky we are.
We feel...
We feel fulfilled...
...professionally and personally
and want to share that.
Every child deserves
the best possible start.
That sounds a little prepared.
It's our duty to help nurture
the future of this society.
It's a big thing,
so, yes, we're prepared.
I want to give a child
what I never had.
And what was that?
A sense of belonging.
You don't feel you belong?
Now, yeah.
No, I meant as a child.
Everything's as per
the instructions.
We thought that
we could use this...
Not that we're presuming,
but we...
Do you hear that?
Loose springs.
But there's no springs
in that mattress.
Do you have somewhere else?
Yes, but there's
actually no springs...
You take our room.
We'll sleep in here.
Don't go to any trouble.
- It's no trouble.
- Yeah, yeah.
It's no trouble at all.
Better.
I call it
Aaryan's thinking cave.
Sjhus,
open Cooper slate.
I'm working on
the cat's texture.
This is all
virtually generated.
This is where
you designed the virtual pets?
Not the prototypes,
they were at the university,
but, yes,
the second generation.
It's funny, I was in this seat
right here when it struck me...
And what about you?
Do you have a work space?
Yes. Sure.
The airflow system allows
different micro-climates
to coexist,
that's what allows
for the variety.
It's very, er...
- colorful.
- Colorful?
This is a template
for sustainable
food production everywhere,
- it's a laboratory.
- Colorful's right.
Nature wants to be noticed,
but she's deceptive.
Underneath her beautiful faade,
she provides energy and shelter.
And this greenhouse alone
contains
over 1000 different species
- of plants and algae able to...
- What's this one?
Oh... paphiopedilum.
It's also known
as the Venus Orchid.
It's the oldest of its kind.
Some live to be 100.
My mother gave it to me.
It's the only thing
I have of hers.
Your mother?
Sorry, can you be careful?
Sorry, she's sensitive.
I'll need full access
to all areas.
- But you don't mean...
- Full access.
It's already done.
I programmed Sjhus
to recognize your voice. Sjhus?
Welcome, Virginia.
I'll also need samples
of urine, saliva,
blood, hair,
vaginal mucus and semen.
I thought
we already gave these.
You'd be surprised
how many people cheat.
It'll do.
Mia synthesizes
all the nutrients herself.
We can produce crops
all year round
without depleting
the soil.
May I? A little wine?
She's found a way of harnessing
the soil microbials into energy
that powers all our work.
How did you get your scar?
The pet cull
hadn't happened long before
and some people thought
I was somehow responsible, so...
some activists decided
to intervene.
Which is insane
because Aaryan developed
virtual pets as a solution
to the cull,
he wasn't responsible for it.
The pet cull was part
of the disease prevention
and resource
conservation program.
The problem was
the State underestimated
the psychological importance
of companionship
when they exterminated
all the pets.
Especially during a time
of upheaval, so...
I was tasked with creating
an alternative. I did.
Just, not everybody
saw it that way.
These people firebombed
the university research lab
that Aaryan was working in.
I... I jumped out
of a third floor window.
Broke my shoulder,
my collar bone,
three vertebrae
and these burn scars.
That must've been terrifying.
He's still traumatized
by fire.
What happened
to the people responsible?
They were sent to the Old World.
They got what they deserved.
Your mother was sent
to the Old World.
Did she get
what she deserved?
All that stuff about my mother.
She's just pushing buttons,
okay?
It's obviously how it works.
We just need to stay cool,
not react.
She likes you.
You jealous?
Yeah, embarrassingly so. I am.
Maybe I can make you
not jealous.
Light, Sjhus.
Being in a single bed
makes me feel like
a teenager again.
Pervert.
Get on your back.
Ow! You just kneed me
in the balls.
Sorry, do you want to complain,
or do you want your cock
in my mouth?
- What was the first option?
- Yeah.
You gonna fold those?
Don't make me laugh. I'm being
very, very serious right now.
Okay.
Oh. Oh, fuck!
Virginia! Virginia!
Oh, my God.
I need to assess all aspects
of your relationship.
It's fine.
Seriously?
Just imagine I'm not here.
What? No.
- Aaryan?
- Yeah?
I... Fuck.
Oh, hey.
Erm, these all came.
Do you know what they are?
You sleep okay?
You gonna eat?
Mm.
Why don't you try?
Yeah? You wanna try?
Yeah, that's, that's...
That's really good.
It's really yummy.
Whoa! What the f...
- You shouted at me.
- I did not. I did not...
- You did, you shouted.
- It was not. No, I...
- I raised my voice.
- Did.
- I raised my voice.
- Did.
It's just not
the same thing.
- Did.
- No, I didn't.
- Did!
- It was a little loud.
- Did!
- Ha! No, it was not!
- Did. Did. Did. Did.
- Okay, Virginia.
That's very cute, very charming.
- Did.
- Okay.
- Did. Did. Did.
- Virginia.
Virginia, could you stop?
- Virginia, please stop.
- Did.
- Virginia.
- Did.
- Virginia.
- Yeah.
- Virginia.
- Did! Did! Did!
Virginia!
Okay, that was...
that was a shout, yeah?
Why don't we start again, hmm?
Hey!
Why don't we try a game?
It's a train.
Oh, it's a bullet train.
Oh, it's going really fast.
Oh, is it gonna crash?
Oh... Or it could go
in the tunnel.
You don't want it
to crash now. Come on.
Come on.
Pew! There it is!
All right.
All right.
- Spoon.
- Spoon?
You wanna feed yourself?
Okay, all right.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mm.
All right.
Sorry. It's kind of funny.
- Ooh...
- Virginia:
- Ow, fuck.
- Fuck.
- Oh, my God.
- Are you okay?
I got shit in my eye.
- Yeah.
- Oh, that's not good.
- Shit.
- Shit!
Oh, it hurts.
- Fuck, I can't see.
- Fuck!
- What?
- Fuck! Shit!
It's fine. I just can't see.
What do you mean you can't see?
- Aaryan, are you okay?
- Fuck!
Fuck. Shit. Shit. Fuck. Fuck.
Is it better?
I can see now.
It just hurts like hell.
Sorry.
Wanna get some drops?
- Yeah.
- Sorry.
One. Okay, a second.
Yeah, okay.
Let me get this
out of your face.
Shit! Fuck!
Hey, can I see it?
Lemme see.
Oh, my God.
- It's really red.
- Ow.
Do you think this is normal?
I mean,
it has to be, right?
Why don't we just...
Let's set some rules.
Because children respond
to boundaries, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Okay.
Okay.
Okay. We're gonna...
I'm gonna apologize.
- So just let me...
- Yeah.
- Can you let me...
- Yeah, okay, okay.
Hey, Virginia, sweetie...
We...
You gotta be kidding me.
She's having fun
with us. We can clear this up.
It's everywhere.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Virginia!
Virginia!
- Okay.
- Can you?
- Okay.
- Virginia!
Virginia!
You're not serious.
- Virginia!
- Virginia!
Oh, shit.
No, no, no, no.
This is crazy.
Stop!
This is not a toy!
End of test.
Are you sure that we can't
get you any dessert or a drink?
Please, treat me normally.
- No airs or graces.
- Oh...
A delivery.
A delivery has arrived.
- Can you?
- Yeah.
- It's really heavy.
- Okay.
- There.
- Okay.
This could be your child's.
If you pass, of course.
You have
until morning.
Okay. There's eight
different types of those?
- Yeah.
- So...
Do we know
which one's which, or just...
No, I don't know yet,
but we will figure it out.
Well, if we check the...
Does this say which orange piece
we're supposed to use
for the bottom with the greens?
The grey pieces
are the pieces
- that actually link it.
- These connect...
They're the connectors.
...the orange.
No. The orange pieces
just sit on top.
They're not
doing any connecting.
- You use it to...
- My God.
The grey bit
connects the pipes.
- Okay. Okay! Put the grey.
- That's it.
Then use them on top.
Put that on top.
And then you just
put that on top.
Well, you know the instructions
don't necessarily
have to tell us the right thing.
You don't necessarily think
the instructions
have to say the right thing?
Yes, that's what I said.
Okay.
Okay, wait.
Now, after this,
I'm gonna need that wrench.
- Is it nearby?
- The wrench?
- The little tool? Shit.
- Okay, it's over there.
Gimme a second.
Oh, my finger. Shit.
Okay, wait, wait...
- Yeah. Sorry. Got it.
- I'll loose the head.
- Yeah, got it. I got it.
- Okay. Wait.
Yeah. Oh, my God.
- I can't...
- You are my savior.
Okay, okay.
But that's...
We've got that,
so if you want that...
Mm-mm.
For safety purposes,
all parts must be used."
What are we gonna do with it?
I like it. You've done well.
Thank you.
It was a team effort.
Would you get my bag?
I slept terribly.
Yeah.
Sjhus, open Hawkeye slate.
One over 9.172 constant.
Rotate 0.3 to 0.41.
Maintain vert...
- Hi.
- Hi.
Are you "you" now or...
It's always me.
Hmm.
When I was younger,
I had the stupidest looking
cocker-poodle.
When it was time to hand over
the pets for the cull,
the idea of him dying in a room
with some stranger
was too much, so...
I got hold of some pentobarbital
and I did it myself.
I remember him looking at me
with...
his big, trusting eyes.
I cried for days.
A grown woman,
can you believe it?
Did you ever get a virtual pet?
I know some people
found it a comfort,
but I couldn't bear
the thought of not touching him.
I mean, they were there
to be held, not admired.
- Go ahead.
- What?
Go ahead.
How do you do that?
Magic. Science.
He feels all funny.
It's the fur.
I can make it solid,
but I can't get
the texture right.
Same with skin,
it's even harder...
I'm bored.
You wanna play a game?
Sjhus, lights!
We were playing tigers.
Sure.
- So is your back okay now?
- Yeah, it's fine.
Okay.
Here. Here. Come on.
- Wait. You're so quick.
- Wait.
Be careful now. Oh, nice.
Er...
one, two, three, four,
five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten!
Hello?
Daddy?
Daddy?
- Okay. Okay, yeah...
- You go.
All right. One,
two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
Virginia?
Virginia?
Where are you?
Virginia?
I got you!
Where's Mummy?
I thought you were
looking for me.
I thought
you were hiding.
- I was hiding.
- Okay.
Okay. Hey! Let's build a fort!
All right, nice.
Here?
Daddy, can I make
another one over there?
Sure.
It's "Daddy?"
Don't let her get to you.
Are we doing the right thing?
Of course.
What if I can't do this?
What if I'm not cut out for it?
- You're not your mother.
- What if I am, though?
She left you.
You would never do that.
Where's Virginia?
She can't have gone far.
Virginia?
Virginia!
Virginia!
- Virginia!
- Virginia!
Virginia!
- What are those?
- Where?
There!
Are those her shoes?
Oh, God! Oh...
Check there! Over there!
Oh, my God. Oh, my God!
Can you breathe?
Are you okay?
Are you okay?
- I've got you.
- Get off me.
Get off!
No! No!
- Get off.
- I got you.
- What were you doing?
- I was being a starfish.
I thought you were dead.
I said I was being
a starfish, you idiot.
Oh, great.
So next time, I'll just
let you drown then, huh?
- Nice.
- Virginia, I didn't...
Virginia.
You cannot behave
like this if you want a child.
I want a real child, Aaryan.
Not... this.
This is how we get
a real child!
Daddy?
Carry.
One, two, three.
You're indulging her.
All right. Off we go.
Oh.
Unexpected atmospheric
pressure change within the dome.
Imminent rainfall.
Faster, Daddy.
Come on, faster!
Why do you stop?
I can't. My back. I can't.
Here. Get on my back.
- Just give me a minute, okay?
- Come on, I'll carry you.
I don't want you. I want Daddy.
Well, I'm all you've got.
I want Daddy.
This is silly.
All that is happening right now
is you're getting cold and wet.
It doesn't mean you hate me
any less if you come inside,
but at least you'll be warm.
All right?
- Arms up. Arms up. Okay, okay.
- Virginia:
Okay, okay.
Okay, okay. Almost there.
There you go, come on.
Mm.
Me. Me.
- It's okay. That's okay.
- Not the eyes.
I won't get the eyes.
I'll try.
There you go.
Let's take it all off.
- Done!
- Done? Okay. Done.
I got you. Here you go.
My mother used
to do this for me.
- What was she like?
- She was beautiful.
Fearless. And infuriating.
I wanted to be her.
You have beautiful hair.
Can I wear
some of your clothes?
- Yeah. Sure. Yeah.
- Yeah?
A delivery has arrived.
Mia!
In here.
It's a...
a dinner invite for tonight.
Someplace nice, I hope.
Er... It's here.
We're the hosts.
What are you
talking about?
Your first guests have arrived.
- Hi.
- Hi. Come on in.
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hi, Aaryan.
Hi. Hi.
Er, Mia, this is Serena.
Oh. Yeah, the Serena. Hi, um...
I've heard a lot
of great things. I'm Mia.
- It's really nice to meet you.
- Likewise.
- This is Holly and Amelia.
- Holly, hi. And Amelia?
It is... it's really such
a pleasure to meet you.
Are we going in?
Sorry. Kids... Amelia!
I'm gonna go make sure
that everyone...
- Sure.
- Okay.
Can I get you
something to drink?
- We have wine, juice.
- Thanks. Amelia...
How's Assessment going so far?
It's a fucking nightmare.
We thought we were
a disaster
and then we got Amelia.
You'll be fine.
Serena,
you have to come see this.
I should...
More guests have arrived.
Hi. I'm Aaryan.
I'm Walter. And this is...
Oh, don't bother with all that.
We shan't meet again.
They always stare.
They haven't seen
a child in a while.
- You seen that girl?
- Stealing our oxygen.
There's never
anyone to play with.
- Welcome!
- Oh, Jesus!
This is Virginia, our Assessor.
Mia. It's been too long.
Any chance
of a drink over here?
- How do you two...
- I was Walter's lab assistant.
- Oh, that makes sense.
- Mia was the most
brilliant and dedicated
assistant I ever had.
- High Praise.
- Regrettably,
she abandoned me
for a more exciting scientist.
Don't stare, sweetie.
I wanted to pursue my own work.
I still bear the scars
from your departure.
Scratches, darling.
All down your back, if I recall.
- Can I get anyone anything?
- Is there alcohol in this?
- Yes, a bit, is that all right?
- No.
I'm gonna need
something stronger.
So, um, about Walter...
It's okay.
You don't have to explain.
When I was his student,
we had an affair
that I think Evie knows about.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure
she knows about it.
It was completely inappropriate
and he probably exploited me,
but, you know, he was actually
a pretty good professor.
- Look at me, I'm shaking.
- Mia...
These people are here
to throw us off.
That's the game.
- We just have to stay calm.
- Okay.
Can't believe
I have to endure this.
So, Amelia,
do you go to school?
- Amelia self-educates.
- No schools in our district.
It's better, though. You get
to follow your own interests.
- Amelia's an artist.
- Oh!
Abstracts, mainly.
I would love to see
your work some time.
Do you show your art
at any exhibitions?
Not really.
But I want to.
Virginia?
- Virginia. That's okay.
- Virginia, could you...
Is she okay?
- I'm sure she's fine.
- Oh, God.
- Okay, sweetie.
- She doesn't look fine.
Aaryan...
your mother has arrived.
Don't start. First thing
I knew about this...
- What the hell is that?
- Mom.
No, you stop
calling me that.
You're not a child, anymore.
It's Ambika, not Mom.
You know, I was having
a perfectly nice time
in the gym when I got the call.
But as we all know,
an invitation from the State
isn't really
an invitation at all.
Okay. Can you just
promise me one thing?
Don't say anything
stupid or embarrassing?
You're so like your father.
Oh, Ambika, hi!
How was your trip?
Nice to see you too, Mom.
- How's work, Ambika?
- I'm not allowed to say.
Why?
Is it very secret?
Ah, no.
Aaryan asked me not to talk
in case I embarrass him.
I was joking.
I'm sure
he was just teasing.
Virginia, stop it!
I design the modular estates.
- Virginia!
- I hear they're fantastic.
How old is she supposed to be?
- Okay, I'm gonna clear plates.
- I'll help.
Thank you.
Are we pretending this is okay?
Assessment is everybody's right,
whether we agree with it or not.
- It's an indulgence.
- How?
'Cause we don't have
the resources.
That's for the state
to decide, not you.
They reengineered Senoxidine
to prevent reproduction,
- as well as aging and disease.
- What about you, Holly?
She's sliding
under the table.
What keeps you occupied?
Holly monitors border activity.
- That's fascinating.
- What is?
Holly works
by the border.
Honestly, I'm nowhere near.
I just see the reports.
What's to report?
I thought they were just dying.
Well, there are indications
that limited tracts of land
may be survivable.
- Are you serious?
- How long are they surviving?
The data's limited.
How long
do people think?
- Years.
- We don't know for sure.
So, they're reproducing?
Once the Senoxidine wears off,
in theory.
I mean that's what
we're trying to find out.
How would they have babies
without the Assessment?
- From their own wombs.
- Like in the Dark Ages.
You mean
it's not forbidden there?
Virginia, I'm asking nicely...
Come back to me.
- Think of the pain.
- Yeah.
They must live
such short and unhappy lives.
I'm really not supposed
to talk about any of this.
We should be reducing the
population, not increasing it.
I'm not sure
this is the occasion
to talk about
population control.
This is the exact occasion
to talk about
population control!
Okay, Virginia...
- Oh, shit.
- Control that brat.
It was not
like this in my day.
Sorry about this.
It's okay.
It's okay, I'm not mad.
I'd like to propose
a toast.
A toast!
To Mia.
And Aaryan. The future.
- Oh, my God!
- The future!
Second time lucky,
then?
Sorry, what do you mean
second time?
Well, you must know that
Aaryan and Serena applied?
- Oh...
- Obviously, it didn't work out.
I guess things
just got interesting.
- She didn't know that?
- No, I didn't know.
We didn't get far at all.
I pulled out before the end
of the questionnaire.
So Aaryan wanted
to continue?
It didn't mean anything.
I don't mean...
It's fine. He's right. It didn't
mean anything. It was a mistake.
- I'm gonna make space.
- Mia, this...
Oh, wow.
Yeah, the future!
- The future!
- Hooray.
- Ah, Jesus.
- Well done, Ambika.
I didn't want to upset you.
Can we talk about this later?
Mia?
If you're
concerned about resources,
stop taking Senoxidine.
- Good idea.
- Great idea.
Let's grow old and die.
Why not throw ourselves
into the abyss?
But maybe finish dessert first.
Hands up. Who wants to die
to make room for the new people?
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
- What about madam over there?
- Me?
Why not?
Last one in, first out.
God, you're a witch!
I think you'll find the witches
are in the Old World
along with the other enemies
of progress.
Enough! Mia's mother
was sent to the Old World.
Oh, I know. I know exactly
what happened to her.
She was exiled for spreading
lies and misinformation.
She deserved exactly
what she had coming...
Hey!
- Don't talk to her like that.
- Oh, spare me your outrage.
You're all too young to remember
the border, aren't you?
You were alive
before the border?
How old are you?
I'm 153.
- What was it like?
- You don't want to know.
You really do not want to know.
I do.
Virginia,
will you sit down please?
- Oh, God, what now?
- I wanna know.
It's okay.
Stay there, Amelia.
Oh, well...
- Virginia!
- I can tell you from...
- Oh, God. Ow.
- Don't worry, it's fine.
- You comfortable? Right.
- Hm.
In the beginning,
all anyone could talk about
was how nice it was
to finally have decent summers.
And then the summers
never stopped.
Unbearable heat,
endless storms...
No crops, no shelter.
Nothing habitable.
Famine. Disease.
Countless species extinct.
Did you know we tore each other
apart over scraps?
We'd finally done it.
Destroyed ourselves.
All for greed and indifference.
And then one day,
those of us who were left,
we found a solution.
A new world.
We had to be smarter
than we were before,
because there wasn't room
for everyone.
Choices had to be made.
It wasn't kind or nice,
but it was necessary
for survival.
You think because we're able
to drink wine and...
grow crops in greenhouses,
and breed brats in bags,
you've somehow conquered nature.
You're wrong. It's borrowed.
And anything you take
from nature...
sooner or later,
she'll want it back.
So, forgive me
if I don't smile politely
and go along
with this whole fucking charade,
while you risk
everything we have
just to scratch
some vain and vestigial itch.
Fucking hubris
will be the death of us.
All of us.
I want no part of that.
There we are. That's the story.
Was it fun?
- Oh, my God. Get off!
- What happened?
- Get off me!
- Hey...
She pissed all over me,
the fucking little bitch!
- Oh, my God.
- Here. Take this.
I'm sure you'll feel just awful.
Oh, my Gosh.
Can I get something
to clean up?
Well, at least we know
it runs in the family.
- Evie, please.
- What does?
Being a bad fucking mother.
Mia!
Is Assessment
always like this?
Oh, my God.
- Fucking barbarians!
- Hey...
It's late. It's time for bed.
Evie was mean to me.
Thank you, Mummy.
Hm.
Hm, no, I...
I...
Aren't you a silly?
I didn't realize I had
to tell you every detail
about my life before we met.
Assessment's not a detail.
Mia, it didn't mean
anything, okay?
Serena said it herself,
it meant nothing.
- It is not nothing.
- Okay, maybe it's not nothing.
But it's not as big
a deal as you...
Stop! Stop. Stop. Stop.
Everything we went through.
The check-ups, the protocols,
the application,
just imagining the life
that we would have, and...
you never thought to mention
that you did that with her, too.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I should've told you.
This can't just be another thing
for you to be good at, Aaryan.
You need to want this with me.
- I guess I was scared.
- Of what?
That you'd think
I wasn't good enough
to raise a child with.
That if you knew Serena
felt I wasn't good enough,
you'd feel the same.
What are you talking about?
I love you.
I want to have a child
with you.
I thought that was obvious.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.
This is really fucking hard.
Just two more days with her,
then she's gone.
Virginia?
I think you're having
a bad dream, okay?
I think you need
to go back to bed.
Yeah.
No, Virginia.
Your own bed. Not here.
That's okay. It's okay.
Just let her sleep here.
7.19 reinstate.
7.06 comma maintain.
How do you think
Aaryan's coping?
I'd say that we're both doing
very well.
Mia, incoming call
from State Hospital West.
The doctor said
that she had an embolism
and lost her speech and sound.
For good?
They don't know,
they're running tests
They just said to get there
as soon as I could.
Did you tell them
you got Assessment?
What? No.
- Do you think you should?
- Why?
I just don't know
if it's okay for you to go.
She's my sister.
But Mia,
you hardly ever see her.
I'm the only family
she has.
I'm just saying
we should check with Virginia.
- Check what?
- Jesus!
My sister is in intensive care.
So I just need to make sure
that she's okay.
- You have to see her?
- Yes.
- Well then you must.
- Thank you.
Will it affect Assessment?
Assessment will be
terminated, yes.
There must be
exemptions for an emergency.
Parents are exempt
from emergencies?
- Aaryan is here.
- I'll be fine.
You're assessed jointly,
not as individuals.
- I have to see her.
- This is a choice.
Parenthood is full of them.
You are assessing on whether
we are fit to bring up a child.
This is expressly
against regulations.
What kind of a person
would I be if I didn't go?
This is a demonstration
of my commitment to family.
You have until 6:00 a.m.
Not a moment later.
- Sjhus, two degrees cooler.
- Temperature adjusted.
Were you having a nightmare?
Did you dream about the fire?
In mine, I was drowning.
I don't think
this is a good idea.
Hold me.
Hold me. I'm scared.
Is this you now or...
- What's your hand doing there?
- Nothing. Hey.
- How does it feel?
- Okay, no, stop.
- Squeeze it.
- What?
Squeeze it. Harder.
Harder.
Am I being assessed on this?
Okay. Oh, no, no, no.
I can't. I can't.
- It appears that you can.
- It's an involuntary reaction.
So's this.
No, stop.
Faster or slower?
No, no, no, no. Stop, stop.
I can't do this to Mia.
All elements of Assessment
are subject to the discretion
of the individual Assessor.
What do you mean?
You're saying Mia wouldn't know?
Don't move.
No, no, no, stop.
I can't...
I'm giving you
a rare opportunity.
You're saying I have to do this?
- I think I make myself clear.
- No.
You're a magician, Aaryan.
One of the architects
of our time.
A prodigy.
You've built things
no other man could.
And now
you're a prisoner
of your own success,
a captive of your talent.
No one can touch
your achievements.
You're a genius.
- How was your sister?
- It was a false alarm.
There was a... mix-up,
someone with the same name.
I must've gone
to every department
before they figured it out.
It was very frustrating,
but, you know, a relief.
Caffeine. Triple shot.
Well, I'm glad
your sister's okay.
- Thank you.
- Me too, Mummy.
Can you keep an eye on Virginia?
I'm gonna go for a swim.
- Can we talk?
- No, I need to clear my head.
Then we can talk.
Wanna go play outside?
I just need
to finish this thought.
Then we can go and play outside.
Okay.
Mummy! Mummy!
Sjhus, open Hawkeye slate.
Okay, er... 2.9, reinstate
profile 368.
Sjhus, disable protocols.
Rescale 419 to 412.
Once upon a time
There was a pretty fly
Then one day
she flew away
She flew away
Maintain all other variables
and reduce 4.19 to 4.12.
Maintain density.
Once upon a time
There was a pretty fly
She had a pretty life
This pretty fly
But one day she flew away
Flew away
And she had
This one pretty child
But one day
This...
This pretty child
Flew away
Flew away
Into the sky
Into the sea
Mummy!
Daddy!
Mummy!
Mummy.
Then one day she flew away
Flew away
Aaryan!
Aaryan!
Emergency in greenhouse.
Emergency in greenhouse.
Virginia!
Virginia! Virginia!
Shit. Sjhus, open!
Sjhus, open!
- Mia, get away!
- Aaryan, Virginia's inside.
Aaryan, please.
Please.
Aaryan!
Come on. Come on!
Come on!
- Aaryan!
- I am trying!
I can't fucking move!
I can't move.
Mia!
Come on. Okay.
Come on!
Okay. Okay. One, two!
Yeah, yeah, it's okay.
- Mia!
- Aaryan. Aaryan, I can't.
Hey.
Virginia, please eat.
Come on.
- Virginia.
- Just let her go.
You could've died.
Yeah. What about her?
I tried. I couldn't
because of the fire.
Yeah, I know.
Do you?
I'm gonna be right back.
Mia...
You know all my work
was in that greenhouse.
My orchid...
my entire life.
Do you have any idea
how long it takes
to build something like that?
'Cause it doesn't just happen.
Are you listening?
Do you care? I...
Do you even know
what you're doing anymore?
Assessment
is a rigorous process
with a high threshold
for success.
You've marked yourselves out
as serious
and impressive candidates,
demonstrating
high levels of competency.
So,
it's therefore with...
regret that I must inform you
that your application
has not been successful.
You can't do that.
We've done everything you asked.
- My decision is final.
- No.
We did everything you asked.
I did everything.
Everything!
You can't fail me
'cause of that.
You told me I had to do it
to pass Assessment!
I never said that.
You fucked her?
I did it for us.
- You fucked our child.
- She's not our child.
Of course she is,
that's the entire point.
She was not our child
when she fucked me!
You said if Assessment
was over, you'd let us know.
Why didn't you fail us
at the time?
You can't do this.
It's not right.
- Step aside.
- Why did you not do that?
You can't do this, okay?
It's not right.
- Please.
- No, it's not right.
You can't. It's... Do you know
the things I've done
for this society?
The people I know?
Listen to me. Listen to me!
Fuck!
Hey. Hey.
There's something
I want to show you.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, my gosh.
Hi. Hi.
Hi.
You okay?
Yes.
I haven't named her yet.
Hey. Hey.
Yes. Yes.
What? What's wrong?
Mia! What is it?
Her smell.
Her smell?
What do you mean? I don't...
She... She doesn't
smell of anything. She...
- She has no smell.
- I'm gonna work on that, okay?
I'm gonna get it right,
I promise.
No, I don't want right,
I just want human.
So do I, but we can't have that.
We tried.
I called in every
possible favor.
They all said the same thing.
Assessor's decision is final.
These are the rules we live by.
I...
I can't do this anymore.
It's the price we pay
to drink clean water,
to live, to breathe.
Then why does it feel
like I'm suffocating?
We'll go back
to how it was before.
- I need to know why we failed.
- Why?
What's the point?
'Cause I have to understand.
How is that going to help us?
Mia.
We love each other.
That's right.
That's right.
You have five minutes.
It wasn't easy to find you.
Grace, right?
They think it helps you
keep less involved,
if you use a different name.
Look, if you're here to tell me
what a monster I am...
Why did we fail?
Because you...
- ...you tricked Aaryan.
- Aaryan made a choice.
You trusted him.
Children lie, Mia.
No, we're not
these kinds of people.
'Cause people like you couldn't
possibly be not good enough.
What does that mean,
people like me?
Do you even know how serious
an offense it is
you even being here?
I could have you arrested.
I could have you exiled.
I'm not going anywhere
until you tell me why we failed.
I've told you why you failed.
You're lying.
I know you are.
'Cause I saved
your fucking life.
I...
We...
- connected.
- It's... It's common,
for candidates to feel
a bond with their Assessor,
- it doesn't mean...
- Why are you being like this?
What are you afraid of?
That you might actually
feel something?
I've had to learn
how to not feel.
What I'm...
What I'm trying to do here,
Mia, is to help you.
You need to leave.
I actually thought there was
a person behind the uniform,
that it couldn't all
just be an act,
but there isn't, is there?
- You're a lonely bitter husk.
- Yes. I'm a monster.
So it's normal for you
to fuck someone's partner?
To nearly die?
That's just what you do?
'Cause I have to say it sounds
a little unprofessional.
Don't you think people
ought to know that this is
- what Assessment is?
- Everything that I did
is within the protocols.
But you failed
for the same reason
that everyone fails, Mia.
You just weren't good enough.
What do you mean,
everyone fails?
What do you mean,
everyone fails?
That's... That's a turn
of phrase. I didn't mean...
How many people
passed Assessment this year?
That's confidential information.
What about the last two years?
The last three?
The last five? How many?
A 100? Ten? One? What?
Do you think we can't find out?
That Aaryan and I don't know
who to ask?
Six years.
That's the last time
anyone passed.
So...
So, we never had a chance.
Then what is the point
of any of it?
Stopping it
would be bad for morale.
You could've just failed us.
You didn't have to humiliate us.
No, I had to prove
you weren't good enough.
What is wrong with you?
- How can you even do this?
- Most can't.
Assessors usually burn out
within a few months,
they find it too intense.
But if you can do it,
there are rewards.
- And what was yours?
- A child.
They're gonna
give me a child.
- Okay.
- In the future.
If the numbers drop.
And you think
that you would be ahead
of people like Aaryan and me?
We've made things
for this society.
And what have you done?
Just victimized innocent people?
I've done everything
that they asked of me!
And I've been spat on.
I've been demeaned,
I've been debased.
I've sacrificed
every single part of me
that is left to...
to help the society
to function,
and you fucking dare
to look down on me.
There's no list.
You must know that.
Of course, there's a list.
- Why would there be?
- Because there has to be!
Because this society
needs people
who know what it is...
to love a child.
You have no idea...
what it's like...
to hold...
to hold your child
in your arms...
telling her that everything's
gonna be okay...
even though she's dying.
That's when you really know
what love is.
My daughter is not alive,
but she's here, you know?
She's... she's present.
She's a part of me
for every single second.
And you can't...
You can't,
you can't possibly know
what that's like.
Not the way that I do.
I'm sorry
about your daughter.
It's her birthday next week.
She drowned
when she was eight.
So stupid.
Is it true what Holly said,
that...
that people are surviving?
It's not much of a life.
But yes.
Would you go?
I'm old, Mia.
Without the Senoxidine,
I won't last long.
And the Old World
is not a nice place to be.
And this is?
Your supporting material
places you
in the top
0.1 percentile of citizens.
Over the next seven days,
you will undergo
close observation
and formal testing
to ascertain suitability
for parenting.
In the event of a pass,
your material will be passed on
for ex-utero gestation.
In the event
of a fail,
candidates will be
notified immediately.
Assessor's decision
is final.
Is that clear?
I'm sure everyone says this,
but...
we'd make
really great parents.
Let me show you the room.
It's got everything
you asked for.
Adequate.
I'll... I'll let you unpack.
Do you...
Do you ever keep in touch
with the children
as they grow?
No. I don't.
I'll leave you to it.
Sorry, what time
did you say you'd...
Next, please.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Name, please?
Mia Grey.
Please move along.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Name, please.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Next.
Name, please.
Let's go.
Come on, hey, get up.
Eight, nine, ten.
Ready or not, here I come!
Chamber before Old World.
Approaching final chamber
before Old World.
Approaching final chamber
before Old World.
- Let's go.
- No talking.
- Ready?
- Stay in line.
Ten, nine, eight,
seven, six, five, four,
three, two, one.
Mia?
Mia! Mia, come back!
Mia? Mia, come back!
Come back!
Mummy!
Atmospheric dome disturbances
within normal range.
This morning,
you swam 1409 meters
- at a stroke rate of...
- What's wrong with your voice?
Aaryan changed it.
Oh.
Do you like it?
I can live with it.
Suggested
Senoxidine dosage, one tab.
Atmospheric pressure
within the dome, one ATM.
Radioactivity levels,
within safe range.
Reduce coefficient
2.04 to 2.019.
Why is your texture so fuzzy?
Why does Sjhus
sound like your mother?
Are you serious?
I'm changing it back.
I'm teasing. I like it.
Why don't we have
something nice tonight?
I cultivated a new algae.
Maybe you can use it?
Sounds good.
Sjhus, how's pressure
in feed pipe four?
Lower than usual.
Shall I run diagnostics?
No, that's all right.
Pressure back to usual levels.
Hello.
You're not feeling too good?
I don't think
I'm gonna get much sleep.
Me either.
You want to go to bed anyway?
Hmm.
Is that too much?
No, that's great.
- Mm.
- Yeah. It's really much better.
Mm-hmm.
What if we're not good enough?
If we're not, who is?
It just makes me nervous.
It's all so secretive.
We'll be fine.
- Hey.
- Hmm.
I love you.
That's right.
Mia!
It's 6:00 a.m.
Your visitor has arrived.
Are you ready? Okay.
I'm Virginia. Your Assessor.
Your supporting material,
as previously reported,
places you in the top
0.1 percentile of citizens.
I'm therefore happy to confirm
that under Article 96,
you qualify
for in-person Assessment.
- Over the next seven days...
- Can I just ask someth...
There's a lot
to get through.
Sorry, I just...
Over the next seven days,
you'll undergo close observation
and formal testing
to ascertain suitability
for parenting.
In the event of a pass,
your material
will be passed on
for ex-utero gestation.
All other methods
of reproduction
still remain forbidden.
In the event of a fail,
candidates will be notified
immediately.
Candidates have the right
to withdraw from Assessment
at any point up to and including
the in-person questionnaire.
After which they waive
any and all right
to future applications.
Assessor's decision is final.
Clear?
- Yes.
- Absolutely.
Finally, you are reminded:
Everything that takes place
over the next seven days
is highly confidential.
And what are we
being assessed on exactly?
It's just a little...
opaque.
Opaque?
Not opaque... I just mean,
not clear.
- That is what opaque means.
- What Mia's trying to say is...
We couldn't find
any specific criteria,
that's what
I'm trying to say.
The less you know
in advance, the better.
I want to get to know
the real you.
- Is that a good idea?
- Yes.
I was joking.
Hmm.
Good.
Humor is important.
I'm sure
that everyone says this...
but I...
We would be
really great parents.
Everyone does say that.
So, who's first?
On a scale of one to ten,
how would you rate
your current levels
of satisfaction
with the relationship?
Nine, at least.
Describe Mia with three words.
Funny. Smart.
Sharp.
She can be a little sharp.
But I like that.
Keeps me on my toes.
We were in a lab
and he was absorbed
in some code.
And I don't know why
I took this moment to tell him,
but I said "I love you",
it just popped out and he said,
"That's right."
How often do you have sex?
- Once or twice a week.
- How are we defining sex?
Oral, manual,
anal or full.
Do you achieve regular climax?
Yes.
Every time?
Would you like some water?
Is that part of the test?
- No, just water.
- I'm fine. Thank you.
Tell me about your mother.
She expected a lot from me,
but...
it was good.
She was sent to the Old World
when my sister
and I were little,
so I only have a few memories.
- She was a dissident?
- Yes.
Do you have any differences
with the State?
No. Does it not say this
in my file?
Why do you want
a child?
We know how lucky we are.
We feel...
We feel fulfilled...
...professionally and personally
and want to share that.
Every child deserves
the best possible start.
That sounds a little prepared.
It's our duty to help nurture
the future of this society.
It's a big thing,
so, yes, we're prepared.
I want to give a child
what I never had.
And what was that?
A sense of belonging.
You don't feel you belong?
Now, yeah.
No, I meant as a child.
Everything's as per
the instructions.
We thought that
we could use this...
Not that we're presuming,
but we...
Do you hear that?
Loose springs.
But there's no springs
in that mattress.
Do you have somewhere else?
Yes, but there's
actually no springs...
You take our room.
We'll sleep in here.
Don't go to any trouble.
- It's no trouble.
- Yeah, yeah.
It's no trouble at all.
Better.
I call it
Aaryan's thinking cave.
Sjhus,
open Cooper slate.
I'm working on
the cat's texture.
This is all
virtually generated.
This is where
you designed the virtual pets?
Not the prototypes,
they were at the university,
but, yes,
the second generation.
It's funny, I was in this seat
right here when it struck me...
And what about you?
Do you have a work space?
Yes. Sure.
The airflow system allows
different micro-climates
to coexist,
that's what allows
for the variety.
It's very, er...
- colorful.
- Colorful?
This is a template
for sustainable
food production everywhere,
- it's a laboratory.
- Colorful's right.
Nature wants to be noticed,
but she's deceptive.
Underneath her beautiful faade,
she provides energy and shelter.
And this greenhouse alone
contains
over 1000 different species
- of plants and algae able to...
- What's this one?
Oh... paphiopedilum.
It's also known
as the Venus Orchid.
It's the oldest of its kind.
Some live to be 100.
My mother gave it to me.
It's the only thing
I have of hers.
Your mother?
Sorry, can you be careful?
Sorry, she's sensitive.
I'll need full access
to all areas.
- But you don't mean...
- Full access.
It's already done.
I programmed Sjhus
to recognize your voice. Sjhus?
Welcome, Virginia.
I'll also need samples
of urine, saliva,
blood, hair,
vaginal mucus and semen.
I thought
we already gave these.
You'd be surprised
how many people cheat.
It'll do.
Mia synthesizes
all the nutrients herself.
We can produce crops
all year round
without depleting
the soil.
May I? A little wine?
She's found a way of harnessing
the soil microbials into energy
that powers all our work.
How did you get your scar?
The pet cull
hadn't happened long before
and some people thought
I was somehow responsible, so...
some activists decided
to intervene.
Which is insane
because Aaryan developed
virtual pets as a solution
to the cull,
he wasn't responsible for it.
The pet cull was part
of the disease prevention
and resource
conservation program.
The problem was
the State underestimated
the psychological importance
of companionship
when they exterminated
all the pets.
Especially during a time
of upheaval, so...
I was tasked with creating
an alternative. I did.
Just, not everybody
saw it that way.
These people firebombed
the university research lab
that Aaryan was working in.
I... I jumped out
of a third floor window.
Broke my shoulder,
my collar bone,
three vertebrae
and these burn scars.
That must've been terrifying.
He's still traumatized
by fire.
What happened
to the people responsible?
They were sent to the Old World.
They got what they deserved.
Your mother was sent
to the Old World.
Did she get
what she deserved?
All that stuff about my mother.
She's just pushing buttons,
okay?
It's obviously how it works.
We just need to stay cool,
not react.
She likes you.
You jealous?
Yeah, embarrassingly so. I am.
Maybe I can make you
not jealous.
Light, Sjhus.
Being in a single bed
makes me feel like
a teenager again.
Pervert.
Get on your back.
Ow! You just kneed me
in the balls.
Sorry, do you want to complain,
or do you want your cock
in my mouth?
- What was the first option?
- Yeah.
You gonna fold those?
Don't make me laugh. I'm being
very, very serious right now.
Okay.
Oh. Oh, fuck!
Virginia! Virginia!
Oh, my God.
I need to assess all aspects
of your relationship.
It's fine.
Seriously?
Just imagine I'm not here.
What? No.
- Aaryan?
- Yeah?
I... Fuck.
Oh, hey.
Erm, these all came.
Do you know what they are?
You sleep okay?
You gonna eat?
Mm.
Why don't you try?
Yeah? You wanna try?
Yeah, that's, that's...
That's really good.
It's really yummy.
Whoa! What the f...
- You shouted at me.
- I did not. I did not...
- You did, you shouted.
- It was not. No, I...
- I raised my voice.
- Did.
- I raised my voice.
- Did.
It's just not
the same thing.
- Did.
- No, I didn't.
- Did!
- It was a little loud.
- Did!
- Ha! No, it was not!
- Did. Did. Did. Did.
- Okay, Virginia.
That's very cute, very charming.
- Did.
- Okay.
- Did. Did. Did.
- Virginia.
Virginia, could you stop?
- Virginia, please stop.
- Did.
- Virginia.
- Did.
- Virginia.
- Yeah.
- Virginia.
- Did! Did! Did!
Virginia!
Okay, that was...
that was a shout, yeah?
Why don't we start again, hmm?
Hey!
Why don't we try a game?
It's a train.
Oh, it's a bullet train.
Oh, it's going really fast.
Oh, is it gonna crash?
Oh... Or it could go
in the tunnel.
You don't want it
to crash now. Come on.
Come on.
Pew! There it is!
All right.
All right.
- Spoon.
- Spoon?
You wanna feed yourself?
Okay, all right.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mm.
All right.
Sorry. It's kind of funny.
- Ooh...
- Virginia:
- Ow, fuck.
- Fuck.
- Oh, my God.
- Are you okay?
I got shit in my eye.
- Yeah.
- Oh, that's not good.
- Shit.
- Shit!
Oh, it hurts.
- Fuck, I can't see.
- Fuck!
- What?
- Fuck! Shit!
It's fine. I just can't see.
What do you mean you can't see?
- Aaryan, are you okay?
- Fuck!
Fuck. Shit. Shit. Fuck. Fuck.
Is it better?
I can see now.
It just hurts like hell.
Sorry.
Wanna get some drops?
- Yeah.
- Sorry.
One. Okay, a second.
Yeah, okay.
Let me get this
out of your face.
Shit! Fuck!
Hey, can I see it?
Lemme see.
Oh, my God.
- It's really red.
- Ow.
Do you think this is normal?
I mean,
it has to be, right?
Why don't we just...
Let's set some rules.
Because children respond
to boundaries, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Okay.
Okay.
Okay. We're gonna...
I'm gonna apologize.
- So just let me...
- Yeah.
- Can you let me...
- Yeah, okay, okay.
Hey, Virginia, sweetie...
We...
You gotta be kidding me.
She's having fun
with us. We can clear this up.
It's everywhere.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Virginia!
Virginia!
- Okay.
- Can you?
- Okay.
- Virginia!
Virginia!
You're not serious.
- Virginia!
- Virginia!
Oh, shit.
No, no, no, no.
This is crazy.
Stop!
This is not a toy!
End of test.
Are you sure that we can't
get you any dessert or a drink?
Please, treat me normally.
- No airs or graces.
- Oh...
A delivery.
A delivery has arrived.
- Can you?
- Yeah.
- It's really heavy.
- Okay.
- There.
- Okay.
This could be your child's.
If you pass, of course.
You have
until morning.
Okay. There's eight
different types of those?
- Yeah.
- So...
Do we know
which one's which, or just...
No, I don't know yet,
but we will figure it out.
Well, if we check the...
Does this say which orange piece
we're supposed to use
for the bottom with the greens?
The grey pieces
are the pieces
- that actually link it.
- These connect...
They're the connectors.
...the orange.
No. The orange pieces
just sit on top.
They're not
doing any connecting.
- You use it to...
- My God.
The grey bit
connects the pipes.
- Okay. Okay! Put the grey.
- That's it.
Then use them on top.
Put that on top.
And then you just
put that on top.
Well, you know the instructions
don't necessarily
have to tell us the right thing.
You don't necessarily think
the instructions
have to say the right thing?
Yes, that's what I said.
Okay.
Okay, wait.
Now, after this,
I'm gonna need that wrench.
- Is it nearby?
- The wrench?
- The little tool? Shit.
- Okay, it's over there.
Gimme a second.
Oh, my finger. Shit.
Okay, wait, wait...
- Yeah. Sorry. Got it.
- I'll loose the head.
- Yeah, got it. I got it.
- Okay. Wait.
Yeah. Oh, my God.
- I can't...
- You are my savior.
Okay, okay.
But that's...
We've got that,
so if you want that...
Mm-mm.
For safety purposes,
all parts must be used."
What are we gonna do with it?
I like it. You've done well.
Thank you.
It was a team effort.
Would you get my bag?
I slept terribly.
Yeah.
Sjhus, open Hawkeye slate.
One over 9.172 constant.
Rotate 0.3 to 0.41.
Maintain vert...
- Hi.
- Hi.
Are you "you" now or...
It's always me.
Hmm.
When I was younger,
I had the stupidest looking
cocker-poodle.
When it was time to hand over
the pets for the cull,
the idea of him dying in a room
with some stranger
was too much, so...
I got hold of some pentobarbital
and I did it myself.
I remember him looking at me
with...
his big, trusting eyes.
I cried for days.
A grown woman,
can you believe it?
Did you ever get a virtual pet?
I know some people
found it a comfort,
but I couldn't bear
the thought of not touching him.
I mean, they were there
to be held, not admired.
- Go ahead.
- What?
Go ahead.
How do you do that?
Magic. Science.
He feels all funny.
It's the fur.
I can make it solid,
but I can't get
the texture right.
Same with skin,
it's even harder...
I'm bored.
You wanna play a game?
Sjhus, lights!
We were playing tigers.
Sure.
- So is your back okay now?
- Yeah, it's fine.
Okay.
Here. Here. Come on.
- Wait. You're so quick.
- Wait.
Be careful now. Oh, nice.
Er...
one, two, three, four,
five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten!
Hello?
Daddy?
Daddy?
- Okay. Okay, yeah...
- You go.
All right. One,
two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
Virginia?
Virginia?
Where are you?
Virginia?
I got you!
Where's Mummy?
I thought you were
looking for me.
I thought
you were hiding.
- I was hiding.
- Okay.
Okay. Hey! Let's build a fort!
All right, nice.
Here?
Daddy, can I make
another one over there?
Sure.
It's "Daddy?"
Don't let her get to you.
Are we doing the right thing?
Of course.
What if I can't do this?
What if I'm not cut out for it?
- You're not your mother.
- What if I am, though?
She left you.
You would never do that.
Where's Virginia?
She can't have gone far.
Virginia?
Virginia!
Virginia!
- Virginia!
- Virginia!
Virginia!
- What are those?
- Where?
There!
Are those her shoes?
Oh, God! Oh...
Check there! Over there!
Oh, my God. Oh, my God!
Can you breathe?
Are you okay?
Are you okay?
- I've got you.
- Get off me.
Get off!
No! No!
- Get off.
- I got you.
- What were you doing?
- I was being a starfish.
I thought you were dead.
I said I was being
a starfish, you idiot.
Oh, great.
So next time, I'll just
let you drown then, huh?
- Nice.
- Virginia, I didn't...
Virginia.
You cannot behave
like this if you want a child.
I want a real child, Aaryan.
Not... this.
This is how we get
a real child!
Daddy?
Carry.
One, two, three.
You're indulging her.
All right. Off we go.
Oh.
Unexpected atmospheric
pressure change within the dome.
Imminent rainfall.
Faster, Daddy.
Come on, faster!
Why do you stop?
I can't. My back. I can't.
Here. Get on my back.
- Just give me a minute, okay?
- Come on, I'll carry you.
I don't want you. I want Daddy.
Well, I'm all you've got.
I want Daddy.
This is silly.
All that is happening right now
is you're getting cold and wet.
It doesn't mean you hate me
any less if you come inside,
but at least you'll be warm.
All right?
- Arms up. Arms up. Okay, okay.
- Virginia:
Okay, okay.
Okay, okay. Almost there.
There you go, come on.
Mm.
Me. Me.
- It's okay. That's okay.
- Not the eyes.
I won't get the eyes.
I'll try.
There you go.
Let's take it all off.
- Done!
- Done? Okay. Done.
I got you. Here you go.
My mother used
to do this for me.
- What was she like?
- She was beautiful.
Fearless. And infuriating.
I wanted to be her.
You have beautiful hair.
Can I wear
some of your clothes?
- Yeah. Sure. Yeah.
- Yeah?
A delivery has arrived.
Mia!
In here.
It's a...
a dinner invite for tonight.
Someplace nice, I hope.
Er... It's here.
We're the hosts.
What are you
talking about?
Your first guests have arrived.
- Hi.
- Hi. Come on in.
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hi, Aaryan.
Hi. Hi.
Er, Mia, this is Serena.
Oh. Yeah, the Serena. Hi, um...
I've heard a lot
of great things. I'm Mia.
- It's really nice to meet you.
- Likewise.
- This is Holly and Amelia.
- Holly, hi. And Amelia?
It is... it's really such
a pleasure to meet you.
Are we going in?
Sorry. Kids... Amelia!
I'm gonna go make sure
that everyone...
- Sure.
- Okay.
Can I get you
something to drink?
- We have wine, juice.
- Thanks. Amelia...
How's Assessment going so far?
It's a fucking nightmare.
We thought we were
a disaster
and then we got Amelia.
You'll be fine.
Serena,
you have to come see this.
I should...
More guests have arrived.
Hi. I'm Aaryan.
I'm Walter. And this is...
Oh, don't bother with all that.
We shan't meet again.
They always stare.
They haven't seen
a child in a while.
- You seen that girl?
- Stealing our oxygen.
There's never
anyone to play with.
- Welcome!
- Oh, Jesus!
This is Virginia, our Assessor.
Mia. It's been too long.
Any chance
of a drink over here?
- How do you two...
- I was Walter's lab assistant.
- Oh, that makes sense.
- Mia was the most
brilliant and dedicated
assistant I ever had.
- High Praise.
- Regrettably,
she abandoned me
for a more exciting scientist.
Don't stare, sweetie.
I wanted to pursue my own work.
I still bear the scars
from your departure.
Scratches, darling.
All down your back, if I recall.
- Can I get anyone anything?
- Is there alcohol in this?
- Yes, a bit, is that all right?
- No.
I'm gonna need
something stronger.
So, um, about Walter...
It's okay.
You don't have to explain.
When I was his student,
we had an affair
that I think Evie knows about.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure
she knows about it.
It was completely inappropriate
and he probably exploited me,
but, you know, he was actually
a pretty good professor.
- Look at me, I'm shaking.
- Mia...
These people are here
to throw us off.
That's the game.
- We just have to stay calm.
- Okay.
Can't believe
I have to endure this.
So, Amelia,
do you go to school?
- Amelia self-educates.
- No schools in our district.
It's better, though. You get
to follow your own interests.
- Amelia's an artist.
- Oh!
Abstracts, mainly.
I would love to see
your work some time.
Do you show your art
at any exhibitions?
Not really.
But I want to.
Virginia?
- Virginia. That's okay.
- Virginia, could you...
Is she okay?
- I'm sure she's fine.
- Oh, God.
- Okay, sweetie.
- She doesn't look fine.
Aaryan...
your mother has arrived.
Don't start. First thing
I knew about this...
- What the hell is that?
- Mom.
No, you stop
calling me that.
You're not a child, anymore.
It's Ambika, not Mom.
You know, I was having
a perfectly nice time
in the gym when I got the call.
But as we all know,
an invitation from the State
isn't really
an invitation at all.
Okay. Can you just
promise me one thing?
Don't say anything
stupid or embarrassing?
You're so like your father.
Oh, Ambika, hi!
How was your trip?
Nice to see you too, Mom.
- How's work, Ambika?
- I'm not allowed to say.
Why?
Is it very secret?
Ah, no.
Aaryan asked me not to talk
in case I embarrass him.
I was joking.
I'm sure
he was just teasing.
Virginia, stop it!
I design the modular estates.
- Virginia!
- I hear they're fantastic.
How old is she supposed to be?
- Okay, I'm gonna clear plates.
- I'll help.
Thank you.
Are we pretending this is okay?
Assessment is everybody's right,
whether we agree with it or not.
- It's an indulgence.
- How?
'Cause we don't have
the resources.
That's for the state
to decide, not you.
They reengineered Senoxidine
to prevent reproduction,
- as well as aging and disease.
- What about you, Holly?
She's sliding
under the table.
What keeps you occupied?
Holly monitors border activity.
- That's fascinating.
- What is?
Holly works
by the border.
Honestly, I'm nowhere near.
I just see the reports.
What's to report?
I thought they were just dying.
Well, there are indications
that limited tracts of land
may be survivable.
- Are you serious?
- How long are they surviving?
The data's limited.
How long
do people think?
- Years.
- We don't know for sure.
So, they're reproducing?
Once the Senoxidine wears off,
in theory.
I mean that's what
we're trying to find out.
How would they have babies
without the Assessment?
- From their own wombs.
- Like in the Dark Ages.
You mean
it's not forbidden there?
Virginia, I'm asking nicely...
Come back to me.
- Think of the pain.
- Yeah.
They must live
such short and unhappy lives.
I'm really not supposed
to talk about any of this.
We should be reducing the
population, not increasing it.
I'm not sure
this is the occasion
to talk about
population control.
This is the exact occasion
to talk about
population control!
Okay, Virginia...
- Oh, shit.
- Control that brat.
It was not
like this in my day.
Sorry about this.
It's okay.
It's okay, I'm not mad.
I'd like to propose
a toast.
A toast!
To Mia.
And Aaryan. The future.
- Oh, my God!
- The future!
Second time lucky,
then?
Sorry, what do you mean
second time?
Well, you must know that
Aaryan and Serena applied?
- Oh...
- Obviously, it didn't work out.
I guess things
just got interesting.
- She didn't know that?
- No, I didn't know.
We didn't get far at all.
I pulled out before the end
of the questionnaire.
So Aaryan wanted
to continue?
It didn't mean anything.
I don't mean...
It's fine. He's right. It didn't
mean anything. It was a mistake.
- I'm gonna make space.
- Mia, this...
Oh, wow.
Yeah, the future!
- The future!
- Hooray.
- Ah, Jesus.
- Well done, Ambika.
I didn't want to upset you.
Can we talk about this later?
Mia?
If you're
concerned about resources,
stop taking Senoxidine.
- Good idea.
- Great idea.
Let's grow old and die.
Why not throw ourselves
into the abyss?
But maybe finish dessert first.
Hands up. Who wants to die
to make room for the new people?
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
- What about madam over there?
- Me?
Why not?
Last one in, first out.
God, you're a witch!
I think you'll find the witches
are in the Old World
along with the other enemies
of progress.
Enough! Mia's mother
was sent to the Old World.
Oh, I know. I know exactly
what happened to her.
She was exiled for spreading
lies and misinformation.
She deserved exactly
what she had coming...
Hey!
- Don't talk to her like that.
- Oh, spare me your outrage.
You're all too young to remember
the border, aren't you?
You were alive
before the border?
How old are you?
I'm 153.
- What was it like?
- You don't want to know.
You really do not want to know.
I do.
Virginia,
will you sit down please?
- Oh, God, what now?
- I wanna know.
It's okay.
Stay there, Amelia.
Oh, well...
- Virginia!
- I can tell you from...
- Oh, God. Ow.
- Don't worry, it's fine.
- You comfortable? Right.
- Hm.
In the beginning,
all anyone could talk about
was how nice it was
to finally have decent summers.
And then the summers
never stopped.
Unbearable heat,
endless storms...
No crops, no shelter.
Nothing habitable.
Famine. Disease.
Countless species extinct.
Did you know we tore each other
apart over scraps?
We'd finally done it.
Destroyed ourselves.
All for greed and indifference.
And then one day,
those of us who were left,
we found a solution.
A new world.
We had to be smarter
than we were before,
because there wasn't room
for everyone.
Choices had to be made.
It wasn't kind or nice,
but it was necessary
for survival.
You think because we're able
to drink wine and...
grow crops in greenhouses,
and breed brats in bags,
you've somehow conquered nature.
You're wrong. It's borrowed.
And anything you take
from nature...
sooner or later,
she'll want it back.
So, forgive me
if I don't smile politely
and go along
with this whole fucking charade,
while you risk
everything we have
just to scratch
some vain and vestigial itch.
Fucking hubris
will be the death of us.
All of us.
I want no part of that.
There we are. That's the story.
Was it fun?
- Oh, my God. Get off!
- What happened?
- Get off me!
- Hey...
She pissed all over me,
the fucking little bitch!
- Oh, my God.
- Here. Take this.
I'm sure you'll feel just awful.
Oh, my Gosh.
Can I get something
to clean up?
Well, at least we know
it runs in the family.
- Evie, please.
- What does?
Being a bad fucking mother.
Mia!
Is Assessment
always like this?
Oh, my God.
- Fucking barbarians!
- Hey...
It's late. It's time for bed.
Evie was mean to me.
Thank you, Mummy.
Hm.
Hm, no, I...
I...
Aren't you a silly?
I didn't realize I had
to tell you every detail
about my life before we met.
Assessment's not a detail.
Mia, it didn't mean
anything, okay?
Serena said it herself,
it meant nothing.
- It is not nothing.
- Okay, maybe it's not nothing.
But it's not as big
a deal as you...
Stop! Stop. Stop. Stop.
Everything we went through.
The check-ups, the protocols,
the application,
just imagining the life
that we would have, and...
you never thought to mention
that you did that with her, too.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I should've told you.
This can't just be another thing
for you to be good at, Aaryan.
You need to want this with me.
- I guess I was scared.
- Of what?
That you'd think
I wasn't good enough
to raise a child with.
That if you knew Serena
felt I wasn't good enough,
you'd feel the same.
What are you talking about?
I love you.
I want to have a child
with you.
I thought that was obvious.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.
This is really fucking hard.
Just two more days with her,
then she's gone.
Virginia?
I think you're having
a bad dream, okay?
I think you need
to go back to bed.
Yeah.
No, Virginia.
Your own bed. Not here.
That's okay. It's okay.
Just let her sleep here.
7.19 reinstate.
7.06 comma maintain.
How do you think
Aaryan's coping?
I'd say that we're both doing
very well.
Mia, incoming call
from State Hospital West.
The doctor said
that she had an embolism
and lost her speech and sound.
For good?
They don't know,
they're running tests
They just said to get there
as soon as I could.
Did you tell them
you got Assessment?
What? No.
- Do you think you should?
- Why?
I just don't know
if it's okay for you to go.
She's my sister.
But Mia,
you hardly ever see her.
I'm the only family
she has.
I'm just saying
we should check with Virginia.
- Check what?
- Jesus!
My sister is in intensive care.
So I just need to make sure
that she's okay.
- You have to see her?
- Yes.
- Well then you must.
- Thank you.
Will it affect Assessment?
Assessment will be
terminated, yes.
There must be
exemptions for an emergency.
Parents are exempt
from emergencies?
- Aaryan is here.
- I'll be fine.
You're assessed jointly,
not as individuals.
- I have to see her.
- This is a choice.
Parenthood is full of them.
You are assessing on whether
we are fit to bring up a child.
This is expressly
against regulations.
What kind of a person
would I be if I didn't go?
This is a demonstration
of my commitment to family.
You have until 6:00 a.m.
Not a moment later.
- Sjhus, two degrees cooler.
- Temperature adjusted.
Were you having a nightmare?
Did you dream about the fire?
In mine, I was drowning.
I don't think
this is a good idea.
Hold me.
Hold me. I'm scared.
Is this you now or...
- What's your hand doing there?
- Nothing. Hey.
- How does it feel?
- Okay, no, stop.
- Squeeze it.
- What?
Squeeze it. Harder.
Harder.
Am I being assessed on this?
Okay. Oh, no, no, no.
I can't. I can't.
- It appears that you can.
- It's an involuntary reaction.
So's this.
No, stop.
Faster or slower?
No, no, no, no. Stop, stop.
I can't do this to Mia.
All elements of Assessment
are subject to the discretion
of the individual Assessor.
What do you mean?
You're saying Mia wouldn't know?
Don't move.
No, no, no, stop.
I can't...
I'm giving you
a rare opportunity.
You're saying I have to do this?
- I think I make myself clear.
- No.
You're a magician, Aaryan.
One of the architects
of our time.
A prodigy.
You've built things
no other man could.
And now
you're a prisoner
of your own success,
a captive of your talent.
No one can touch
your achievements.
You're a genius.
- How was your sister?
- It was a false alarm.
There was a... mix-up,
someone with the same name.
I must've gone
to every department
before they figured it out.
It was very frustrating,
but, you know, a relief.
Caffeine. Triple shot.
Well, I'm glad
your sister's okay.
- Thank you.
- Me too, Mummy.
Can you keep an eye on Virginia?
I'm gonna go for a swim.
- Can we talk?
- No, I need to clear my head.
Then we can talk.
Wanna go play outside?
I just need
to finish this thought.
Then we can go and play outside.
Okay.
Mummy! Mummy!
Sjhus, open Hawkeye slate.
Okay, er... 2.9, reinstate
profile 368.
Sjhus, disable protocols.
Rescale 419 to 412.
Once upon a time
There was a pretty fly
Then one day
she flew away
She flew away
Maintain all other variables
and reduce 4.19 to 4.12.
Maintain density.
Once upon a time
There was a pretty fly
She had a pretty life
This pretty fly
But one day she flew away
Flew away
And she had
This one pretty child
But one day
This...
This pretty child
Flew away
Flew away
Into the sky
Into the sea
Mummy!
Daddy!
Mummy!
Mummy.
Then one day she flew away
Flew away
Aaryan!
Aaryan!
Emergency in greenhouse.
Emergency in greenhouse.
Virginia!
Virginia! Virginia!
Shit. Sjhus, open!
Sjhus, open!
- Mia, get away!
- Aaryan, Virginia's inside.
Aaryan, please.
Please.
Aaryan!
Come on. Come on!
Come on!
- Aaryan!
- I am trying!
I can't fucking move!
I can't move.
Mia!
Come on. Okay.
Come on!
Okay. Okay. One, two!
Yeah, yeah, it's okay.
- Mia!
- Aaryan. Aaryan, I can't.
Hey.
Virginia, please eat.
Come on.
- Virginia.
- Just let her go.
You could've died.
Yeah. What about her?
I tried. I couldn't
because of the fire.
Yeah, I know.
Do you?
I'm gonna be right back.
Mia...
You know all my work
was in that greenhouse.
My orchid...
my entire life.
Do you have any idea
how long it takes
to build something like that?
'Cause it doesn't just happen.
Are you listening?
Do you care? I...
Do you even know
what you're doing anymore?
Assessment
is a rigorous process
with a high threshold
for success.
You've marked yourselves out
as serious
and impressive candidates,
demonstrating
high levels of competency.
So,
it's therefore with...
regret that I must inform you
that your application
has not been successful.
You can't do that.
We've done everything you asked.
- My decision is final.
- No.
We did everything you asked.
I did everything.
Everything!
You can't fail me
'cause of that.
You told me I had to do it
to pass Assessment!
I never said that.
You fucked her?
I did it for us.
- You fucked our child.
- She's not our child.
Of course she is,
that's the entire point.
She was not our child
when she fucked me!
You said if Assessment
was over, you'd let us know.
Why didn't you fail us
at the time?
You can't do this.
It's not right.
- Step aside.
- Why did you not do that?
You can't do this, okay?
It's not right.
- Please.
- No, it's not right.
You can't. It's... Do you know
the things I've done
for this society?
The people I know?
Listen to me. Listen to me!
Fuck!
Hey. Hey.
There's something
I want to show you.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, my gosh.
Hi. Hi.
Hi.
You okay?
Yes.
I haven't named her yet.
Hey. Hey.
Yes. Yes.
What? What's wrong?
Mia! What is it?
Her smell.
Her smell?
What do you mean? I don't...
She... She doesn't
smell of anything. She...
- She has no smell.
- I'm gonna work on that, okay?
I'm gonna get it right,
I promise.
No, I don't want right,
I just want human.
So do I, but we can't have that.
We tried.
I called in every
possible favor.
They all said the same thing.
Assessor's decision is final.
These are the rules we live by.
I...
I can't do this anymore.
It's the price we pay
to drink clean water,
to live, to breathe.
Then why does it feel
like I'm suffocating?
We'll go back
to how it was before.
- I need to know why we failed.
- Why?
What's the point?
'Cause I have to understand.
How is that going to help us?
Mia.
We love each other.
That's right.
That's right.
You have five minutes.
It wasn't easy to find you.
Grace, right?
They think it helps you
keep less involved,
if you use a different name.
Look, if you're here to tell me
what a monster I am...
Why did we fail?
Because you...
- ...you tricked Aaryan.
- Aaryan made a choice.
You trusted him.
Children lie, Mia.
No, we're not
these kinds of people.
'Cause people like you couldn't
possibly be not good enough.
What does that mean,
people like me?
Do you even know how serious
an offense it is
you even being here?
I could have you arrested.
I could have you exiled.
I'm not going anywhere
until you tell me why we failed.
I've told you why you failed.
You're lying.
I know you are.
'Cause I saved
your fucking life.
I...
We...
- connected.
- It's... It's common,
for candidates to feel
a bond with their Assessor,
- it doesn't mean...
- Why are you being like this?
What are you afraid of?
That you might actually
feel something?
I've had to learn
how to not feel.
What I'm...
What I'm trying to do here,
Mia, is to help you.
You need to leave.
I actually thought there was
a person behind the uniform,
that it couldn't all
just be an act,
but there isn't, is there?
- You're a lonely bitter husk.
- Yes. I'm a monster.
So it's normal for you
to fuck someone's partner?
To nearly die?
That's just what you do?
'Cause I have to say it sounds
a little unprofessional.
Don't you think people
ought to know that this is
- what Assessment is?
- Everything that I did
is within the protocols.
But you failed
for the same reason
that everyone fails, Mia.
You just weren't good enough.
What do you mean,
everyone fails?
What do you mean,
everyone fails?
That's... That's a turn
of phrase. I didn't mean...
How many people
passed Assessment this year?
That's confidential information.
What about the last two years?
The last three?
The last five? How many?
A 100? Ten? One? What?
Do you think we can't find out?
That Aaryan and I don't know
who to ask?
Six years.
That's the last time
anyone passed.
So...
So, we never had a chance.
Then what is the point
of any of it?
Stopping it
would be bad for morale.
You could've just failed us.
You didn't have to humiliate us.
No, I had to prove
you weren't good enough.
What is wrong with you?
- How can you even do this?
- Most can't.
Assessors usually burn out
within a few months,
they find it too intense.
But if you can do it,
there are rewards.
- And what was yours?
- A child.
They're gonna
give me a child.
- Okay.
- In the future.
If the numbers drop.
And you think
that you would be ahead
of people like Aaryan and me?
We've made things
for this society.
And what have you done?
Just victimized innocent people?
I've done everything
that they asked of me!
And I've been spat on.
I've been demeaned,
I've been debased.
I've sacrificed
every single part of me
that is left to...
to help the society
to function,
and you fucking dare
to look down on me.
There's no list.
You must know that.
Of course, there's a list.
- Why would there be?
- Because there has to be!
Because this society
needs people
who know what it is...
to love a child.
You have no idea...
what it's like...
to hold...
to hold your child
in your arms...
telling her that everything's
gonna be okay...
even though she's dying.
That's when you really know
what love is.
My daughter is not alive,
but she's here, you know?
She's... she's present.
She's a part of me
for every single second.
And you can't...
You can't,
you can't possibly know
what that's like.
Not the way that I do.
I'm sorry
about your daughter.
It's her birthday next week.
She drowned
when she was eight.
So stupid.
Is it true what Holly said,
that...
that people are surviving?
It's not much of a life.
But yes.
Would you go?
I'm old, Mia.
Without the Senoxidine,
I won't last long.
And the Old World
is not a nice place to be.
And this is?
Your supporting material
places you
in the top
0.1 percentile of citizens.
Over the next seven days,
you will undergo
close observation
and formal testing
to ascertain suitability
for parenting.
In the event of a pass,
your material will be passed on
for ex-utero gestation.
In the event
of a fail,
candidates will be
notified immediately.
Assessor's decision
is final.
Is that clear?
I'm sure everyone says this,
but...
we'd make
really great parents.
Let me show you the room.
It's got everything
you asked for.
Adequate.
I'll... I'll let you unpack.
Do you...
Do you ever keep in touch
with the children
as they grow?
No. I don't.
I'll leave you to it.
Sorry, what time
did you say you'd...
Next, please.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Name, please?
Mia Grey.
Please move along.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Name, please.
Please prepare
your belongings and Senoxidine.
Next.
Name, please.
Let's go.
Come on, hey, get up.
Eight, nine, ten.
Ready or not, here I come!
Chamber before Old World.
Approaching final chamber
before Old World.
Approaching final chamber
before Old World.
- Let's go.
- No talking.
- Ready?
- Stay in line.
Ten, nine, eight,
seven, six, five, four,
three, two, one.