Review: Exam (2009)

Exam (2009)

Director: Stuart Hazeldine

Exam is a slick little thriller that takes a common story and tells it in a unique way. It contains a great opening sequence that visually introduces each of the characters without any real dialogue. Eight job candidates are placed in a room for 80 minutes. Each has a desk with a piece of paper and pencil. An invigilator enters the room and explains that this is their final test in what has been on ongoing process. There is one question and there is one answer. An armed security guard stands at the door. They are told if they try to leave, spoil their paper, communicate with the guard or the invigilator, they will be disqualified. When they turn their papers over, they are blank.

Immediately, one of the candidates is removed for writing on her paper. The remaining seven form a tentative alliance. One man takes charge when he tells the others they must work together. He gives them all aliases. He calls himself White, the others Brown, Dark, Blonde, Black, Brunette, and Deaf. These are the only names that are used throughout the film.

They begin to brainstorm ways to uncover the question. What begins as a team effort turns into a battle of wits and survival when White tricks another candidate into being removed. The stakes are then raised as they go from working together to turning on one another. Reminiscent of stories like Lord of the Flies, a power struggle ensues when White tries to take control of the situation.

Exam clips along at a fast pace and keeps the viewer unsure of both the question the candidates seek but also who will prevail. Loyalties shift between the characters, as well as the viewer's feeling about them. Brunette is a much stronger, tougher character initially, who shifts drastically when she is turned on by the others.

It's a clever story that quietly teases out the characters' backstories. It also makes one think of themselves, and how they would react in a similar situation. The ticking clock throughout the film keeps the tension up. It's more of a psychological thriller than a traditional horror film, but it does contain many classic horror elements. These include a claustrophobic environment, characters eliminated one by one, and an interesting twist at the end.

With all the action taking place inside one room, it feels like a play. It makes great use of limited space and a good cast to play off one another. Up until the end the suspense continues. Without a good script or cast this story could have fallen flat. But it doesn't. It keeps the tension up and has several great surprises before the final shot. Recommended.

- Peter Browne