The Assessment is a 2025 science fiction thriller directed by Fleur Fortuné in her feature-length debut. The film explores a chilling future where becoming a parent isn’t a right but a privilege tested through a seven-day government-run evaluation. The story, which stars Himesh Patel, Alicia Vikander, and Elizabeth Olsen, centres on a couple named Mia and Aaryan whose desire to have a child turns into a psychological conflict when they invite an assessor into their home. As tensions rise, the psychological drama unfolds in a visually striking world.
This intense and atmospheric film blends real-world locations with sleek, futuristic sets. NetFilming takes a closer look at where this visually striking thriller was filmed—and what made those places perfect for the story.
Where Was The Assessment Filmed?
The production was based in two main filming locations:
- Abades, Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) – used for outdoor and coastal scenes
- MMC Studios, Cologne (Germany) – used for indoor, futuristic set designs
Abades, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Abades, a small coastal town on Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, served as the shooting location for a significant portion of The Assessment. This site was picked because of its remote coastal location, deserted buildings and dry, desolate landscapes—all of which contributed to the futuristic and emotionally chilly atmosphere of the film.
In the movie, Mia and Aaryan reside in a contemporary house with a dome for protection, encircled by views of the ocean and arid landscape. Abades’ eerie silence offered just the right amount of seclusion to bolster the developing psychological tension.
The filmmakers used the island’s naturally occurring volcanic terrain and sunny yet harsh weather to create a visually striking portrayal of a society where technology has advanced but people feel more and more cut off from one another.
Fun fact: Tenerife has appeared in a number of well-known productions. Fast & Furious 6, Clash of the Titans (2010), and even Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith were filmed on the island. It is a popular location for science fiction and fantasy projects because of its varied landscapes.
MMC Studios, Cologne (Köln), Germany
The artificial womb lab, virtual testing rooms and the sleek modern house were all filmed at MMC Studios in Cologne, Germany. One of the top film production hubs in Europe, this studio offers state-of-the-art equipment ideal for building intricate and captivating sets.
Mia and Aaryan’s house has a futuristic, minimalistic design with unusual architectural features, soft lighting and glowing walls. The production team had complete control over lighting, sound and design when they worked with MMC Studios, which was essential in creating the spooky and clinical atmosphere of the movie.
The transition between the outdoor location in Tenerife and the studio-built interiors in Cologne was smooth and believable, thanks to careful set design and strong visual consistency.
Trivia: MMC Studios has hosted the production of international films and shows such as Valkyrie (starring Tom Cruise), Babylon Berlin, and episodes of Germany’s Next Topmodel. Its reputation for high-quality set work made it an ideal choice for The Assessment.
Production Timeline
Here’s a quick look at the key milestones during the production of The Assessment:
| Phase | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Pre-production | Early 2023 |
| Filming Start | Mid 2023 |
| Filming Locations | Abades (Spain), MMC Studios (Germany) |
| Post-production | Late 2023 to Mid 2024 |
| World Premiere | September 8, 2024 (Toronto International Film Festival) |
| U.S. Theatrical Release | March 21, 2025 |
The Assessment Behind The Scenes
Filming kicked off in July 2023 at MMC Studios in Cologne, Germany, where intricate sets, like the couple’s retro-futuristic home, were built to reflect a sterile, climate-ravaged future. Director Fleur Fortuné, known for her bold visual storytelling in commercials and music videos, made her feature film debut with this project. She aimed to balance the film’s futuristic themes with grounded human emotion.
“I didn’t want the future to feel cold and robotic. I wanted it to feel controlled, beautiful, and quietly terrifying,” Fortuné shared during a TIFF Q&A. “The house is as much a character as Mia and Aaryan.”
The cast also had to adapt to the film’s unique structure. Elizabeth Olsen described the filming experience as intense and intimate:
“It felt like theater. We were in this isolated house, trapped with each other and the script. That tension became real for us.”
Filming indoors at MMC Studios allowed for complete control over the mood, while the windswept isolation of Tenerife added a natural sense of unease. Producer Thomas Benski noted, “We intentionally chose places that made you feel both amazed and uncomfortable.”
The production team faced challenges syncing the stark outdoor shots with studio interiors but used clever editing and visual effects to tie it all together.
The Assessment Official Trailer
For more behind-the-scenes filming details, stay tuned to NetFilming.
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