Review of Exam (2009) by Muhammad A — 16 Jul 2011

The director understands psychological-thriller very, very well. There was this veritably intense atmospheric feel throughout. However, I do wish I could praise as highly about the film's plotting.

The main reason being is, at the end, particularly, I was asking myself again-and-again; how could a highly-educated group of scholars in question, as the mysterious man in the gray flannel suit (who prefers to be only known as the "invigilator" by the way), in the beginning states; "endured many hardships while following the selection process", miss the one true question that finally leads to the main revelation? Should not they be aware of such things since the very beginning? Weren't they the best out of the best? How could they fail to detect the obvious? I am not however saying that I was able to spot the uncovering, nor do I claim to have higher IQ than some of these men and women.

Heck, then again I don't even have a degree in psychology as one of the characters claims. But when you are the cream of the crop, shouldnâ(TM)t you be more vigilant? Nonetheless, I am however thoroughly satisfied, mostly thanks to the brilliant directing exhibited by first-time filmmaker Stuart Hazeldine, who also co-wrote the enticing, if slightly flawed script.