Exam – Stuart Hazeldine

Looking at the poster itself will mislead you this is a horror flick. When I made up my mind picking up this movie gave me chills. After engaging 101 mins, I realized this is more than another thriller/drama. Simple settings, but yet thought-provoking.

At first I thought this was just another “Saw” like movies. Which people were confined in a room and were forced to make insane decision and save themselves by self-abuse. However, Exam is nothing like Saw. 8 candidates are trying their best to be chosen for the spot at this enormous medical company.

Unexpectedly, the only flashback the movie has, is the announcement by the invigilator. Apart from that, nothing else, not even the candidates backgrounds. Like we are one of the invigilators, sitting behind the glass and watching them perform. Unlike ordinary text, this does not require to write, although a pencil has been provided to each candidate. “If anyone spoil the paper intentionally or accidently you will be disqualified.” So how to pass the text with 7 other candidates and a blank question paper?

You will be granted years of life after joining the companying. There is an unknown disease affecting the people in the movie. As some of them reveal the truth of applying the job, is the medication is not affordable. Even some of the candidates are infected. And this disease is vigorous as medication should be taken everything one hour. What does it imply?

This company wealth ranked top 10 in terms of nation wise. Which mean more and more people are turning to them for healthier life. With better means, man life could be prolonged. Or deadly disease is spreading uncontrollably. Or maybe both. There is no clear time setting, this leave us wondering what could the disease probably be? Is it then, now, or later?

Brilliant thought about the characters. They are perfectly divided into different ethic groups and backgrounds, white, yellow brown, black, professional gambler… which leads us to another open question. Are we equal? This is for you to think.

Well-written script. The movie runs precisely with the exam time. The minutes passed quickly. Few disturbing scenes but it won’t distract you from enjoying the movie.