This is only a test.

We watched a really interesting movie the other evening, one that came highly recommended from Jeff. 


The film opens with a group of people who have obviously undergone some stress an difficulty to get to the final stage of an interview. They are led into a room, and issued instructions. They have been given one question, and one answer is required.


There's also a lot at stake... it's a place in a high powered company, there are definite clues that the world beyond the room is not necessarily "normal." The characters appear to have powerful motivation to do well in the interview.

The only trouble is, they don't know the question.

XKCD #135

This is "Exam," a 2009 film that stars a bunch of people that look familiar but that I couldn't place. But there was some pretty impressive acting.


As for the story, I don't want to give anything away, but it drew me in pretty well. Even though we were able to figure out some things, knowing (or thinking I knew) didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story. There were some extremely tense moments, places where I had to cover my eyes.


There were some points where I looked at the screen and wondered why they hadn't taken a certain action. There was at least one other where I found the character transitions to be... a little bit of a stretch. But almost as soon as I started to feel that, the scene switched gears and I felt I could look past it.


I know, nothing like a good, specific review, right?


Still, when we reached the end - I didn't feel that I had been lied to. There is a fine line between spinning the story around a question and lying to the audience. When it's the latter, I generally feel cheated... it damages the story. That was not the case here.

"Exam" was an excellent film - available on Netflix watch it now, and more than likely whatever other movie-watching service you choose - and should be on the "to watch" list for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.