The Exam

THE EXAM follows Jung, a dedicated mid-level agent in Budapest in 1957. After the failure of the Hungarian uprising, secret police become fixated with surveillance, constantly monitoring the actions of the people. They also conduct secret tests on their own members to assure that they are true believers in the Communist Party. Though his mentor and superior, Pal Marko, vouches for his trustworthiness, Jung's loyalty is still put to the test. They bug his entire house and telephone, monitoring every conversation he has. Suspicions arise when Jung's lover, Eva, visits him on Christmas Eve. Her involvement in the revolt of 1956 begins to raise flags. What are her intentions in dating Jung? Is she a spy sent to extract information? Marko, worried that Jung's integrity will be compromised, desperately tries to fix the situation. But, as the paranoia mounts, it becomes harder to tell who's on which side. Thanks to an absolutely terrific script by Norbert Köbli, THE EXAM is an extremely intelligent thriller that never fails to surprise. (In Hungarian with subtitles) – E.F.