Exam” (2009) is a British film that stands out with its use of limited space and psychological thriller elements. Directed by Stuart Hazeldine, the film transports the audience into a confined interrogation-like setting through its minimalist stage design. It explores various themes such as competition in the corporate world, the testing of human nature, and the questioning of ethical values. After being shown at festivals, Exam reached a wider audience and is regarded as a unique example within modern thriller cinema.

^{Trailer of Exam (Source: Youtube-Movie Predictor)}

Plot

Exam begins with eight candidates being invited to the final stage of a highly mysterious company's recruitment process. They are placed in a locked room and subjected to an unusual exam. At the start, they are given three rules: they must not damage the paper, they must not attempt to speak to the invigilator or the guard, and they must not leave the room. In front of them lies a blank sheet of paper, with no clear instructions, no visible question, and no explanation of the exam’s purpose. As time progresses, the candidates enter a tense process where they are not only trying to pass the exam but also struggling under intense psychological pressure. The film unfolds through internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and shifting group dynamics, creating a tightly woven psychological narrative.

Cast and Characters

In Exam, characters are not referred to by their names but are instead identified by adjectives that reflect their appearance or physical characteristics. This approach shifts the focus from individuality to the roles they embody and the behaviors they exhibit. Each character is highlighted by specific psychological and social traits throughout the exam:

• White (Luke Mably) – A confident character who displays leadership behavior. Under pressure, he can act manipulatively.
• Black (Chukwudi Iwuji) – Calm and analytical, he tends to adhere to rules and seeks to understand the situation logically.
• Brown (Jimi Mistry) – Uses humor to influence group dynamics but eventually reacts emotionally to the mounting tension.
• Brunette (Pollyanna McIntosh) – Determined and at times authoritarian, she aims to maintain balance within the group.
• Blonde (Nathalie Cox) – Outgoing and more emotionally driven compared to others, her responses under stress are inconsistent.
• Dark (Adar Beck) – Quiet, observant, and rational. She represents strategic thinking within the group.
• Deaf (John Lloyd Fillingham) – Stands out due to his physical condition, which significantly influences group dynamics.

Direction and Cinematography

Directed by Stuart Hazeldine, Exam takes place almost entirely within a single room. The minimalist approach to scene design draws the audience’s attention to the characters’ dialogue and psychological unraveling. Camera movements are mostly static, with a dominance of fixed shots, contributing to the claustrophobic atmosphere and enhancing the tension. Lighting plays a crucial role in the visual composition; the changes in lighting reflect the passage of time and mirror the escalation of tension throughout the narrative.

Themes and Criticism

Exam explores themes such as personal ethics, competitiveness, group dynamics, and human behavior. Throughout the exam process, the characters are tested on loyalty, trust, the pursuit of power, and their sense of identity. In this regard, the film offers critiques related to both individual and societal psychology. Issues like criticism of corporate systems, the value of the individual within such systems, and the definition of success are examined either directly or implicitly throughout the film. Critics have praised the film's ability to create tension using limited resources; however, some have remarked that the conclusion could have been more transparent or conclusive.

Commercial Success and Awards

As an independent production, Exam was made on a limited budget and reached its audience primarily through special screenings rather than wide theatrical release. Premiering in 2009, the film attracted attention in festival circuits and was well-received on various platforms despite its modest financial backing.

The film was nominated for Best Independent Film at the East End Film Festival, which is affiliated with BAFTA, in 2010. It was also screened at events such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film’s success relative to its budget highlights its appeal to a niche international audience.