Exam movie review & analysis (2009)

Exam, directed by Stuart Hazeldine in 2009, is a complicated and deep psychological thriller. This movie explores concepts such as psychological pressure, ethics, competition, and human nature faced with a power using a closed room and a group of candidates facing challenges.

The story begins with eight job candidates in a windowless room; they are in the final stage of their test for a specific position in a big company. They should answer the test’s single question in 80 minutes, but they don’t know what the question is, nor do they have specific instructions. They only know that they’re not allowed to damage their papers, contact anyone outside the room, or violate the company’s rules. In this test, their experience places them in restrictive and challenging circumstances, and to pass the test, they should collaborate and adhere to the rules.

Psychological and Ethical Challenges vs. Personal Interests

Exam deeply raises questions beyond a mere job test and refers to the psychological and ethical complexities of human beings. The primary theme of the movie is competition in stressful situations and the extent to which we can maintain our ethics and honesty in pursuit of a higher position.

This scenario is similar to the real world, where people may abandon their values and principles in order to reach a higher level of status. The characters symbolize a society under economic and social pressures, facing the temptation of personal success and achieving power. This balance between ethics and personal gain forms the essence of the story, prompting viewers to constantly question whether they would also compromise their principles in order to achieve their desires.

Tension and Violence in a Confined Space

The closed room represents a world without open space or escape doors; the characters are forced to disclose their true characters within this confined setting. This tense environment causes each individual to show various aspects of their personality, sometimes exhibiting behaviors that might not be disclosed in normal circumstances. The film gradually illustrates how each person is willing to harm others or show radical actions to reach their purpose.

The characters in the film represent different human archetypes. Each character, with unique traits and approaches, indicates different aspects of humanity. They are actually metaphors for a society where individuals display diverse behaviors in similar situations: the competitive and selfish person, the naive one who wants to save everyone, and the one paralyzed by fear or weakness.

The movie demonstrates how far some people are willing to go to be ruthless and aggressive when their personal benefits are at risk. Watching how each character engages in ruthless actions in the test, unaware of the true objective, makes us suspect our own perception of humanity and trust.

One of the significant strengths points in this movie is its psychological depth and analysis of character behavior in specific situations. Using a single location and a limited space, the scenario effectively generates tension and anxiety in the viewer, keeping them engaged from the beginning till the end of the movie. The movie acts as a psychological study of various characters, where every action and reaction represents a part of human nature and the way people respond to difficult conditions.

The dialogue represents the different personalities very well, and the action-less scenes serve only to convey the message, blending psychological tension that immerses the viewer and pushes them to search for answers alongside the characters.

However, one notable weakness is the test’s excessive complexity, which occasionally detaches the viewer from the story, making the situation feel somewhat artificial. Some characters are also not deeply developed, presented more as general types rather than real individuals, which may prevent a strong emotional connection with the audience.

“Exam” offers a unique and thought-provoking suspenseful cinematic experience, exploring the depth of human behavior in crisis situations. It raises significant questions about human nature and ethics. This film is not just an exciting story about competition and survival, but also provides a deep look at humanity when facing life’s tough tests, reflecting the modern-day challenges, where individuals struggle with personal and social values.

What Happens at the End of the Film?

At the film’s conclusion, after enduring many grueling challenges and psychological tensions, only one candidate remains in the room. This individual, who has paid closer attention to the instructions than the others, has chosen a different approach from the rest, avoiding fruitless disputes and desperate attempts to find the answer. In the end, it becomes clear that the test was not about answering a specific question but assessing character, resilience under pressure, and emotional intelligence. The remaining candidate realizes that the true purpose of the test was to identify someone with independent thinking and self-confidence, qualities that make them suitable for the position.

The ending serves as a wake-up call to the viewer, highlighting that answers are not always apparent, and success may lie in one’s mindset and behavior in challenging situations rather than in providing a direct answer.

Is the Movie Worth Watching?

Yes, Exam is worth watching, particularly for fans of psychological films and stories with intellectual challenges. While it lacks intense action scenes or dazzling special effects, it succeeds in creating constant tension and excitement within a limited space and using a variety of characters.

Exam is one of those films that provoke thought, urging the audience to delve into the characters and their motivations. The film also discusses concepts of ethics, competition, and how people respond to psychological pressures, which can be intriguing and even inspiring. If you enjoy stories that focus on psychological tension and complex human behavior, this movie will offer an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.