Movie #7: Exam

Date Watched: 1/12/10
Viewing: 1st

Netflix brought this movie to my attention and I knew immediately it would be right up my alley. Exam is a British movie about 8 people who are apply for one mysterious job. They are put into a room and each given an exam. However, the exam is quite abnormal and they must try to decide if working together is helping or hurting them in the hopes of landing this job.

I am so thoroughly amused by movies that only use one set. I don't know what it is, but I think it is quite genius to have the movie do so much merely with the plot and character development. This movie is a close sibling to a "Saw" or "The Cube," however I would say it strays a little away from the horror genre. It is a thriller in its purest form. From the very beginning you are personally sizing each character up and trying to get ahead of them. You scan the room for clues, try to brainstorm ideas, think back on the instructions given by the proctor, wonder more about why things are the way they are. It's quite an enjoyable 90 minutes or so. The time will honestly fly because it moves very well from scene to scene. The acting was actually pretty good as opposed to "Saw" and there are enough twists to keep you guessing till the end. Ah, the end. Now it isn't nearly as epic, in my humble opinion, as you may hope. But just remember this movie is about the ride. It's a lot like playing Clue. You don't play Clue for an hour just to find out Scarlet did it with the rope. You play for the challenge and excitement of solving the mystery.

Overall, a mentally stimulating movie with solid plot twists and good acting. I feel as though it is original enough to keep you entertained.

I would recommend this if: you enjoy the thriller/mystery solving genre (Saw, Cube, Mindhunters,etc.), want to watch an original, low-cost, well-made movie, or like British people fighting over a job they know nothing about (oh those British).

Rating: 4 Stars