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