Real-time thriller ‘Exam’ TRAILER

I’m a big fan of the high-concept thriller genre. There are few films like this, and most of them suffer from the same problem: great idea, terrible execution (like Richard Kelly’s latest mess, The Box). The first Saw film, Hard Candy and Cube are a couple that have managed to mostly succeed in being claustrophobic and creepy. The potential is there for an original, engaging and viscerally simple film, we just need one hell of a hook and the talent to see it through to the end.

I was intrigued when I heard of this new film from British screenwriter Stuart Hazeldine (Knowing) called Exam. The premise for Exam is on par with any episode from The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits, and on paper could make a fairly kick-ass little film. The official synopsis:

Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, an Invigilator gives them eighty minutes to answer one simple question. He outlines three rules they must obey or be disqualified: don’t talk to him or the armed guard by the door, don’t spoil their papers and don’t leave the room. He starts the clock and leaves. The candidates turn over their question papers, only to find they’re completely blank.

Empire has the trailer for the film, which you can see below [WARNING: This is one of those trailers that might give a lot away...].

The film, which plays in real-time, debuted at the Edinburgh Film Festival in August and is set for a UK release in January; no date for us North Americans yet, but I suspect it will go straight to video. Exam certainly does have an interesting premise and could be a fun flick.

What do you think of the trailer?