Amazon adds thriller with Oscar winner that deserves more buzz
Amazon Prime has just thrown a hidden gem into the mix with an 'under the radar' sci-fi thriller that's left viewers on edge.
The second to none streaming platform has expanded its ever-evolving treasury of cinematic pieces with The Assessment from today (May 8). The film features a blockbuster roll call, starring Marvel's beloved Elizabeth Olsen and the multi-talented Himesh Patel, recognizable from EastEnders to Yesterday fame.
Joining the duo is Charlotte Ritchie of Ghosts and You acclaim, alongside Minnie Driver and the Academy Award-winning Alicia Vikander.
As per the film's official synopsis, we're thrust into a near-future where childbearing comes with strings attached—courtesy of government control. A couple embarks on a haunting seven-day vetting process for the privilege to parent, only to find their lives spiralling into a waking nightmare, prompting them to reckon with the very bedrock of their world.
Critics have lavished the flick with an 83% fresh rating on the Rotten Tomatoes barometer. Applause has been heaped upon its story-driven narrative and thematic depth, eschewing reliance on flashy CGI fireworks, reports Surrey Live. Accolades for the sublime camera work, spell-binding central performances, and the movie's resonating themes that stick with viewers as the credits roll.
One reviewer was particularly moved, stating: "From the score to the performances to the cinematography, script, and direction, The Assessment is a singular work I won't soon forget and (the director) Fortuné crafts some imagery here unlike anything that has come before in cinema."
Another remarked: "Chilling because it's both outlandish and alarmingly grounded and plausible, this sci-fi drama is likely to be scrutinised in your own dome long after the credits roll."
The film has similarly left a lasting impression on cinema-goers who've caught an early glimpse, with many singing high praises for Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander's portrayals. A fan shared online: "Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander deliver phenomenal performances. This was a great dystopian sci-fi thriller, and had me constantly guessing what was coming next."
Another curious movie enthusiast questioned the lack of pre-release chatter on social media platforms, commenting: "This movie needs more buzz. It's going under the radar for no reason. Alicia Vikander brings in the big guns as she drives home a performance that rivals her role in Ex Machina."
They endorsed Vikander's range: "She gets to play the gamut of emotions here, from adult to child to toddler.. it's an actor's wet dream! There are so many scenes in this movie that will be discussed for ages to come."
Meanwhile, another viewer encapsulated the experience of watching the film with their thoughts: "What a movie. It's so uncomfortable. But in a good and bad way, like the bad is good. Definitely one of the more interesting sci-fi films."
They gushed about the film, saying: "The story is very different and interesting, I was left deeply disturbed yet amazed and still curious. And on top of that, the acting? Fantastic. Seriously everyone did a great job but Elizabeth and Alicia- holy. Fabulous performances. I know this is an independent film but I really hope this gets some recognition. It was that good."
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Games Inbox: What will be the first Mario Kart World DLC?
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EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford
Fans weren't happy with the star's exit scenes on EastEnders music magic EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford A FORMER EastEnders star is planning a huge pop career - months after leaving Albert Square. Shona McGarty played popular Whitney Dean from 2008 until leaving in 2024. 4 EastEnders' Shona McGarty gave fans a look into her music career Credit: Instagram 4 She described working with record producer Steve Anderson as an "absolute dream" Credit: Instagram 4 She played Whitney Dean for 15 years Credit: BBC Taking to Instagram, the star posted a photo of herself alongside musician and record producer Steve Anderson. She captioned: "My happy place! Working with @mrsteveanderson is an absolute dream, we got so much accomplished in our studio session yesterday, and I feel it is all coming together nicely. "Do you guys want a little sneak peek at something we recorded?" One fan commented: "No way! This is awesome x." Another wrote: "Sneak peak pleaseeee! You're looking beautiful girl so proud of you girl." A third added: "Yes can't wait to hear your music Shona." While a fourth shared: "So happy for you! You deserve every bit of happiness and success." Through the production group Brothers in Rhythym, Steve has worked with artists including Kylie Minogue and Westlife. As for Shona, the actress first announced her decision to leave EastEnders back in 2023. Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona said: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. 'Worst ever exit' say EastEnders fans as Whitney Dean quits Walford for good 'I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.' Whitney's final storylines built towards her wedding with fiancé Zack Hudson. It saw her adoptive mother - and show legend - Bianca Jackson make a comeback to the Square. However, Whitney was left devastated upon learning Zack cheated on her on her wedding day and furiously called the whole thing off. She told Zack: 'It's OK that you didn't love me enough. Maybe I didn't love you enough either, because if I did then maybe I wouldn't have lied to you about Britney? 'I feel that love for Peach, we both do. But do you think maybe that love and that pain kept us together for longer than it should have. 'It gave us Dolly though and I'll never regret the time we had together but it's over.' After cutting ties with Bianca - who'd kept quiet about Zack's infidelity Whitney left alongside Britney and Dolly for a new life in Wakefield. While she got a prestigious Julia's Theme send-off, viewers weren't too pleased with Whitney's exit. One wrote: "#EastEnders this is possibly up there with the worst ending especially for Whitney. I wish her and Jay got together had a baby and left the square happily ever after.' Most complained about soap storylines Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous... EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap's long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners - with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it 'distressing' and 'horrific' but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not "unduly disturbing'. Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom - but viewers didn't like it one bit. The nation's pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don't mess with animal-lovers. Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints - Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was at the centre of a spate of killings. First he forced Andy Carver to shoot dead Vinny Ashford - and then Pat killed Andy. All the bloodshed back in 2017 proved to be too much for some viewers, who lodged complaints in vast numbers about the 'violent scenes'. Another added: 'Shona McGarty's final episode might quite possibly be one of the worst episodes I've ever endured. That's exactly what it felt like. I had to endure it. "I never wanna hear the names Whitney, Britney or Peach & the phrase 'what's best for my daughters Zack' ever again. #Eastenders' A third remarked: "Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas, what a disappointment #Eastenders." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
The Sun
9 hours ago
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EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford
A FORMER EastEnders star is planning a huge pop career - months after leaving Albert Square. Shona McGarty played popular Whitney Dean from 2008 until leaving in 2024. 4 4 Taking to Instagram, the star posted a photo of herself alongside musician and record producer Steve Anderson. She captioned: "My happy place! Working with @mrsteveanderson is an absolute dream, we got so much accomplished in our studio session yesterday, and I feel it is all coming together nicely. "Do you guys want a little sneak peek at something we recorded?" One fan commented: "No way! This is awesome x." Another wrote: "Sneak peak pleaseeee! You're looking beautiful girl so proud of you girl." A third added: "Yes can't wait to hear your music Shona." While a fourth shared: "So happy for you! You deserve every bit of happiness and success." Through the production group Brothers in Rhythym, Steve has worked with artists including Kylie Minogue and Westlife. As for Shona, the actress first announced her decision to leave EastEnders back in 2023. Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona said: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. 'I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.' Whitney's final storylines built towards her wedding with fiancé Zack Hudson. It saw her adoptive mother - and show legend - Bianca Jackson make a comeback to the Square. However, Whitney was left devastated upon learning Zack cheated on her on her wedding day and furiously called the whole thing off. She told Zack: 'It's OK that you didn't love me enough. Maybe I didn't love you enough either, because if I did then maybe I wouldn't have lied to you about Britney? 'I feel that love for Peach, we both do. But do you think maybe that love and that pain kept us together for longer than it should have. 'It gave us Dolly though and I'll never regret the time we had together but it's over.' After cutting ties with Bianca - who'd kept quiet about Zack's infidelity Whitney left alongside Britney and Dolly for a new life in Wakefield. While she got a prestigious Julia's Theme send-off, viewers weren't too pleased with Whitney's exit. One wrote: "#EastEnders this is possibly up there with the worst ending especially for Whitney. I wish her and Jay got together had a baby and left the square happily ever after.' Most complained about soap storylines Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous... EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap's long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners - with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it 'distressing' and 'horrific' but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not "unduly disturbing'. Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom - but viewers didn't like it one bit. The nation's pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don't mess with animal-lovers. Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints - Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was at the centre of a spate of killings. First he forced Andy Carver to shoot dead Vinny Ashford - and then Pat killed Andy. All the bloodshed back in 2017 proved to be too much for some viewers, who lodged complaints in vast numbers about the 'violent scenes'. Another added: 'Shona McGarty's final episode might quite possibly be one of the worst episodes I've ever endured. That's exactly what it felt like. I had to endure it. "I never wanna hear the names Whitney, Britney or Peach & the phrase 'what's best for my daughters Zack' ever again. #Eastenders' A third remarked: "Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas, what a disappointment #Eastenders." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4
