directed, and produced by Stuart Hazeldine may not very widely known, but it does pack

a punch. Staged entirely within a unique, and window-less room, this 101-minute film

unfolds in real-time, and presents the story of an utterly bizarre, and intense job interview

process. Set in the not-too distant future, eight candidates from varying backgrounds

must cooperate to figure out the complex, and confusing exam before them -- each is

given only a pencil, and a blank piece of paper - and a very strict set of rules. One

by one, the candidates, known only by their self-assigned nicknames like "black", "white",

"blonde", or "dark" attempt to interact with their environment to discover the question

they're supposed to answer, and risk getting

disqualified in the process. As the field dwindles, the stakes increase, and the intensity is continuously

ratcheted up a level - culminating in a fast-paced, and exciting final act, made all the more

impressive by the story's limited setting. The thought-process behind each of the characters

is fascinating and incredibly intriguing. The puzzling plot twists and turns it's way

quickly through each phase of the story, which rewards it's most observant and quick-thinking

viewers with excellent pay-offs and surprises. Although few of them are well-known Stateside,

the 10-person cast is populated with talented and attractive British actors who do a terrific

job carrying this interesting, and sometimes violent movie. Moving along at a contemporary

pace with some superb editing, and quick uses of flashback throughout, "Exam" is also one

that functions just as well on repeat viewing -- as additional details, to minute to be

picked up the first time, fit nicely into the fabric of the film's mysterious narrative.

A few moments of unrealistic character motivation, and some sizable plot-holes late in the film

unfortunately stain what is otherwise a perfectly written study of human psychology in some

of the most stressful and demanding situations. This is a wonderfully entertaining and original

film that thankfully is beginning to reach new viewers, thanks to a long-stay on Netflix's

Instant Watch collection. "Exam" is a "Thrilling mind-bender that excites". Now that you've

heard my review, let's check out the YouTube comments to read some of yours.

To score 2009's "Exam", here's the Rate-o-Matic... and eight and an eight. You applauded this

film's originality and environment, but weren't as convinced by the less-than-stellar execution,

scoring it a Great. I agreed - this was a very enjoyable film that had me guessing the

entire time, but ultimately, it failed to really impress in a few other areas... I thought

it was great as well.