668. Exam (2009)

Starring: Colin Salmon, Gemma Chan, Natalie Cox

Director: Stuart Hazeldine

Running Time: 96 mins

Exam is a British film about a group of eight candidates who are led to a room to take an exam in order to get the job of their dreams. However, once they are given the most simple but subtle question of all, tensions erupt as various individuals aim to be the one to take the top job.

While this concept is totally preposterous and almost farcical, it’s a hell of a lot of fun to watch. I wouldn’t say that it’s nail-biting and thrilling, nor is it mentally tough, but it is still mysterious and cryptic enough to keep you engaged for the whole duration as you search for the answer too.

The main reason that this is so fun to watch is the fact that the idea is so unbelievable. What it does so well is winds you, as well as its characters, up into a frenzy, and while it’s not necessarily frustrating or tough to watch, it’s simply exciting, and that’s what makes it all so fun.

Along with that, you’ve got the character side of things, which add a deeper, more intriguing layer. Firstly, the tensions that erupt are due to the varying degrees of egotistical characteristics of different characters, and the different relationships and ultimately alliances.

However, the film touches upon a theme of human nature and survival of the fittest. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a typical survival thriller, but there are definitely elements that show that it’s not always the nice guy that wins, and that life is tough on those who don’t show their strength immediately.

Finally, a comment about the outcome of the story. Of course, I won’t reveal it, because it was genuinely unpredictable, and while it is quite a clever twist in the end, it’s not necessarily what I had been hoping for throughout, meaning this film ends on a bit of an anticlimax.

Overall, this gets a 7.4, because, although it is a totally preposterous concept and not the most exciting thriller ever, it has deep, intriguing undertones and is a lot of fun to watch.