The Exam

About This Movie

The Exam (2021) directed by Shawkat Amin Korki offers a raw look into the struggles of a young Kurdish woman, Rojin, as she prepares for the pivotal university entrance exam. It’s a deeply layered tale of sisterhood, woven with themes of corruption and societal pressures. Rojin's older sister, Shilan, becomes a driving force in her journey, and through their bond, we see the lengths one might go to for family. The pacing has this almost suffocating feeling, mirroring Rojin's mounting anxiety. The performances are quite striking, with a naturalism that's hard to shake. You really feel the weight of their choices and the atmosphere is thick with tension and a sense of urgency. Korki’s storytelling feels both intimate and expansive, capturing a unique cultural backdrop that’s not often explored.

Themes of corruption and sisterhoodNaturalistic performancesIntense atmosphere with a cultural backdrop