This three-hander drama about how an AI, ‘Alivia’, takes over the life of a couple, Jordan and Connie, starts unpromisingly, with clunky dialogue establishing the capabilities of the AI and the couple’s relationship in an inelegant manner.
However, things improve when Alivia begins to reveal the toxic nature of the relationship, with Jordan becoming increasingly dependent on the AI for every task whilst Connie wishes to be freer. Two scenes involving Connie confessing her fears to Alivia and Jordan revealing his dominating side over Connie hint at a darker side to the conflict that is unfortunately not explored in greater detail. However, what remains is still satisfying, with Jordan and Connie arguing over having a child providing greater depth to their characters and their diverging responses to Alivia, with Jordan becoming increasingly governed by the AI.
The performances are impressive, with Emma Wilkinson Wright providing a nuanced depiction of how Connie’s more fun-loving personality gives way to a more desperate longing for a more independent life. Matt Vickey convincingly depicts Jordan’s controlling personality and his increasing dependence on Alivia, with his confronting Connie over a new dress she bought being a particular highlight. Jessica Munna‘s vocal performance as Alivia manages to convey a range of emotions without breaking the illusion that the character is not human, only subverting expectations at the conclusion.
ASSISTED is a compelling drama about the dangers of technology that overcomes its weak spots with strong concepts and performances.