Exam

Exam is a thrilling, psychological drama film that instills a sense of dread and anticipation from the very start. It was released in 2009, directed by Stuart Hazeldine, and the film stars noteworthy talents such as Adar Beck, Gemma Chan, Nathalie Cox amongst others. The film is a unique blend of the psychological thriller and mystery genres, making it an intense roller coaster ride from the beginning till the end.

What defines Exam is its unique premise. Its plot revolves around a group of eight talented individuals who are competing for a much-coveted job in a well-known, prestigious company. The test they are given, however, is not the typical Q&A session one might anticipate. In a secure, isolated room, they are given one common directive: to answer one question within 80 minutes. There’s only one catch - nobody knows what the question is. The only guidance provided to the candidates is that they should neither damage their exam paper nor walk out of the room. The seemingly simple structure of the movie is deceptive as it leads the characters, and by extension, the audience, down a rabbit hole of intense anxiety, fear, suspicion, and psychological warfare.

The film does a masterful job of setting the atmosphere. Despite the entirety of the film taking place in one room, the dynamics between the characters keep the plot moving at a brisk pace. The plot also allows the audience to get to know each character - their motivations, their strengths, their weaknesses, and their strategy to handle the bizarre situation they find themselves in. This adds depth and complexity to the film. Many of the characters are not who they initially appear to be, making the plot increasingly intriguing as the story unfolds.

The performances in the film greatly enhance the engaging storyline. Adar Beck, Gemma Chan, and Nathalie Cox, among others, deliver captivating performances that allow the audience to become invested in their respective characters’ journeys. They flawlessly portray a broad spectrum of emotions - fear, desperation, aggressiveness, cleverness - adding to the physiological tension intricately interwoven into the premise of the film.

What makes Exam standout is its perfect balance of suspense, drama, and intellectual stimulation. It forces the viewer to think, to discern and to make guesses just as the characters in it. As time ticks down, and the pressure mounts, the candidates start seeking advantage over each other leading to a shift in alliances, revelation of secrets, raw showcase of human instincts and unprecedented developments that sends chill down the viewers' spines.

Adding to these elements, Exam surprises with its exceptional cinematography. Being confined to a single set, it would have been easy for scenes to become repetitive, yet the filmmakers manage to keep the imagery engaging and the scene transitions seamless. The directional strategies used beautifully augment the air of suspense and unpredictability surrounding the plot.

Exam is a film that compels the audience to question how far one would go to get what they want. It blurs the line between right and wrong, fair and unfair, moral and immoral. As a result, the viewer, along with the characters, are drawn into a complex web of emotions, actions, and realizations. The ingenuity in storytelling lies within its ability to play with the viewer’s perception and expectation. It maintains the suspense till the end, never fully revealing its hand until the culmination of its riveting journey.

In summary, Exam is a nail-biting, psychological thriller that leaves the audience at the edge of their seats, boasting a unique premise and a realistically high-stakes environment. Whether you are a fan of intense mystery dramas or relative psychological thrillers, this film offers something for everyone. The acting, the storyline, the cinematography all blending seamlessly to form a powerhouse of cinematic thriller that stays with you long after the end credits roll.