Exam

Exam presents a claustrophobic psychological thriller that, while intriguing, often stumbles under its own ambition. With a simple premise and a limited setting, it struggles to maintain tension throughout its runtime.

High Stakes in a Locked Room

The film follows eight candidates, each vying for a coveted position within a shadowy corporation. They find themselves locked in a windowless room under the watchful eye of an armed guard, given just 80 minutes to answer a single question. As the clock ticks down, paranoia sets in, and alliances form and break apart, leading them to question not only the nature of the exam but their own motivations and moral boundaries. The escalating pressure reveals dark secrets as they try to decipher the seemingly simple yet elusive inquiry.

Mixed Performances Under Pressure

The performances are a mixed bag, with Luke Mably as White and Chukwudi Iwuji as Black standing out amidst the ensemble. Mably captures a sense of desperation and urgency, while Iwuji provides a cold, calculating contrast. However, some characters, like Pollyanna McIntosh's Brunette and Gemma Chan's Chinese Girl, feel underdeveloped, leaving the actors little to work with. The script doesn't provide equal depth to all characters, which affects the overall investment in their fates.

Shooting in Isolation

Stuart Hazeldine’s direction aims for intensity through minimalism, favoring close-ups and tight framing to evoke claustrophobia. While this choice initially works to create suspense, it leads to a somewhat stagnant visual experience that doesn't evolve over time. The sterile, dimly-lit environment effectively mirrors the tension but also contributes to a monotonous aesthetic. The editing could have benefitted from sharper cuts, particularly in moments that dragged on longer than necessary, which diluted the urgency of the scenario.

Building Tension, Losing Momentum

Watching Exam can be a tense experience, with a solid build-up of anxiety as the candidates spiral into panic. However, the film drags in the middle, with repetitive discussions and drawn-out arguments that at times feel like filler rather than essential plot development. The stakes become muddled, and certain moments fall flat, diminishing the emotional impact. The finale, while attempting to deliver a twist, might leave viewers feeling more confused than satisfied, reducing the overall effectiveness of the film's emotional arc.