Review: Exam

Let me start by saying that Exam has probably one of the most unique yet, cliché movies I’ve seen in a while. The story is simple: Eight job applicants in a sealed room are given instructions to answer a discerning question which may lead them to the job of their lives. Handed blank exams they are to answer the question. When one applicant attempts to answer the question, she is ejected. With one down and seven left, they must now see what it takes to figure out the question for the answer.

These indie films these days are getting a lot of attention. As per last one of the previous movies, May. Exam is essentially a Saw concept with much less violence and much less blood and defiantly 100% less Danny Glover. This is a very sharp little movie that really brings into perspective of, how far are you willing to go for the answer.

The movie starts with all the main applicants as racial melting pot. Stuard Hazeldine is quick to establish each of the motives by assigning each of the applicants, minus the initial rejected applicant, a personality. There’s the smooth talking womanizer named “White”, the seemingly scientifically intelligent “Black”, the risk taking gambler “Brown”, the Frenchmen “Deaf”, the book smart “Dark”, the timd and shy “Blonde”, and the cross dresser (hey it’s the voice!) “Brunette”. Reason being is the applicants thought it be best to keep their names discreet through the process. This idea was executed perfectly in “Reservoir Dogs” and is equally effective here as well.

When you throw all those personalities in one room to answer and unknown question, you get an interesting result. White, played by Luke Mably, turns in a stellar performance by taking charge in the beginning by pushing the boundaries of the rules instigated by the Invigilator. The film’s premise revolves around this group of people who sees what they can or can’t do about the rules and ultimately tries to eliminate each other from the potential position while at the same time testing each other’s breaking point.

Exam is yet another high quality independent film that combines both the stresses of movies like “Saw” with the survivalist instincts of the reality show “Survivor” but with none of either of the flaws.


Netflix Rating Prediction: 3.7
My Rating: 4/5