Exam (2009)

The critic gives the film a strongly positive verdict, praising how it sustains tension and keeps viewers guessing. She particularly singles out Hazeldine’s direction, which makes a confined, theatrical premise feel cinematic.

The review finds the film a sharp, inventive thriller that dips in the middle but ultimately succeeds. It praises Hazeldine’s eye for detail and the way the countdown keeps audiences guessing, while objecting to the sudden violence.

The critic finds this an assured, engaging debut, though some performances are creaky. Luke Mably’s charismatic, empathetic performance is singled out for praise.

The critic finds the chamber-piece tense and darkly comic, though its pandemic subplot feels artificially added. The actors, especially Luke Mably, and the clever final-act twists earn praise.

The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It also does not reveal what the critic singled out for praise or complaint.

The critic finds Hazeldine’s debut confident and its psychological thriller premise compelling. They praise its claustrophobic atmosphere and lean plot.

Floyd presents it as a clever puzzle movie built around an intriguing question. The premise of eight job candidates competing inside a secure room is the singled-out appeal.

Bradshaw finds the film intriguing but ultimately disappointing, citing its frustrating ending and shaggy-dog anti-climax. He praises its claustrophobic setup and satirical jab at reality TV, and calls Hazeldine a talent to reckon with.

The critic highly recommends the film as an original, clever and thought-provoking thriller. They praise its claustrophobic single-room setting and escalating problem-solving tension, while noting that the middle becomes a little talky.

The review finds the film clever and its plot engaging, despite some flaws in tension. It praises the well-conceived solution to the puzzle and the cast’s performances.

The critic finds the film disappointing, saying its intriguing premise is squandered by blunt writing and an unsatisfying ending. They praise the high-concept setup as memorable and beguiling, but say the characters and payoff fail to deliver.

The critic finds the film intriguing at first but ultimately derivative and disappointing. He praises the retrospectively clear central solution, while criticizing the obvious second twist, dispensable distractions, and shrill overacting.