Performance & Direction: Exam Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Exam (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Exam features a noteworthy lineup led by Luke Mably . Supported by the likes of Chukwudi Iwuji and Adar Beck , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Exam
Quick Plot Summary: Exam is a Thriller, Mystery film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, where an armed guard keeps watch, they are given 80 minutes to answer one simple question. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Exam
Ending Breakdown: Exam concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Exam reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Exam?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Exam
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $600.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $394.7K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Exam Budget
The estimated production budget for Exam is $600.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Exam
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Where to Watch Exam Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeExam Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Exam age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Exam is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Exam is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exam worth watching?
Exam is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Exam parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Exam identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Exam?
The total duration of Exam is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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How Exam Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Exam
Exam is an entertaining movie about a stressful situation in a selection process. It could have been more interesting wouldn't it have been because it is deeply inspired in the original play El mètode Grönholm by Jordi Galceran and its following movie El método, by Marcelo Piñeyro, which are both much better.
A fun one-room mystery that keeps you entertained throughout. Read my full review here. http://www.hweird1reviews.com/allreviews/exam-review
Just finished watching this film without knowing anything about it beforehand. Its references to a pandemic somehow made it much more relevant to watch right now than it would have been back in the day when the film is released. Somehow I expected a better, more clever ending to the film but it lacked that element. However, it was a good watch overall. Would I watch it again? Probably not. Would I make my friends watch it? Yes.
Despite the cold and slightly predictable climax, Exam kept me hooked till before the last minute just because I missed a few details which watching it. The actors do an excellent job in keeping you occupied as their characters compete with each other for a coveted, posh, and mysterious job. But more than that it's pure fun to spend 90 minutes with your chums as you keep guessing what's actually up. **7 stars**.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
