Exam: Review By Avrahama

Stuart Hazeldine's Exam, staring Luke Mably, Jimi Mistry and Colin Salmon is a British Thriller about the lengths one might go to get that high paying high society job. As you would expect the plot centres around a group of potential employees all hell bent on getting the position - all that stands in their way is an exam. But it isn't just any ordinary exam.

As one who loves a good "who is it?" or suspenseful storyline, I gave the film 3 out of 5 simply because at the end I was confused about why this job was so prosperous in the first place, but I did give it a 3 because it gave me enough to chew on that I didn't end up starving with questions at the end. The characters' stories do open up during the run of the movie, and small bits are revealed, but only as it pertains to the situation at hand.

Acting was effective and smart. I at no point was bewildered or just insulted by bad dialogue or terrible acting. I could see the emotions, the secrets behind the eyes, and by the end, I wasn't expecting the outcome, so for me, though it was lacking somewhat in depth - after seeing it in its entirety, I believe the director was going for that. The less you know about the characters the better, lest the secret hidden things, and motivations are to be revealed too early!

Exam is Stuart Hazeldine's first debut feature film, a film he also financed. As an avid fan of straying from formulaic, overblown, get-people-in-the-seats type films (some of which I won't mention), knowing that the Director financed this one himself, strikes a particular cord for me - the one who pays the bills has the control over the direction and plot and all things pertaining to said film. Therefore what we are getting is either, a) some mindless drivel the director knows will put cash in his pocket fast, or b) the director's VISION. I'll leave the choice up to you.

Having said that, for this reviewers opinion, I found the film somewhat akin to an old black and white classic I saw, 12 Angry Men, where the whole movie is shot in one room, and as the film progresses hidden agendas, motivations, and prejudices leak slowly over time till eventually like in Highlander, 'There can be only one". Whereas there's an overall sense of completion and accomplishment as you finish watching the old classic, Exam leaves you sitting in your seat scratching your head, not really sure if you are completely impressed by the ending, or maybe.. just maybe.. you saw it coming?

So, if you're into thrillers, twists and turns, drama and a little blood thrown in, this is a great way to spend a Sunday evening. I would also recommend NOT watching any trailers on other websites before you give it a chance, this humble reviewer thinks it reveals too much as it is. Now go give it a watch, if anything it's a fun ride - I do recommend it - just don't expect a life changing experience.