The Exchange Review: A Hilarious And Biting Movie About Friendship And Stereotypes

Release date: July 30, 2021
Running time: 95 minutes
Written By: Tim Long
Directed By: Dan Mazer
Starring: Ed Oxenbould, Avan Jogia, Justin Hartley, Jennifer Irwin, Paul Braunstein, Jayli Wolf, David Huband

In The Exchange, a socially awkward but highly enterprising teenager decides to acquire a "mail order best friend"; a sophisticated exchange student from France. Instead, he ends up importing his personal nightmare, a cologne-soaked, chain-smoking, sex-obsessed youth who quickly becomes the hero of his new community. 

The Exchange has an amazingly biting sense of humor and although it is set in the 80s, it has plenty of relevance in today's world.  The crux of this film is the great cast and the wonderful setting that it takes place in.  Set in a small Canadian town, the film makes full use of the small town charm and interesting characters to tell this tale.  But the best part of this movie is the camaraderie (and friction) between the two newly made brothers.  Both Oxenbould as Tim and Jogia as Stéphane are a lot of fun to see on screen.  And despite the fact that Tim has moments that are infuriating in how socially awkward he is, in the end I did like his character.  And many people from small towns can probably relate to his frustration and dislike of some aspects of his childhood. 

But the creme de la creme is Jogia as Stéphane, who is so insanely over the top that you can't help but laugh.  I love his lack of understanding about some strange aspects of American life and his insights that delivered through the lense of a foreign eye.  And wow is he funny.  The small town itself has some wonderfully humorous situations, some limited to a small town and some that are universal.  But overall this is a thoroughly funny movie.  

But what also makes the Exchange so special is that it touches on relevant topics of acceptance and friendship.  I loved the film's focus on stereotypes and how it subtly chips away at those.  Each character has some vision of how the other person should have been and none of them match that.  And the movie isn't afraid to approach racism head on, but despite the overall humorous nature of the film.  And the journey of this film does feel incredibly personal through all of the ridiculous humor and raunchy situations.  It makes for a wildly entertaining ride that will touch both your funny bone and your heart.  But if anything makes you laugh, the end credits scene is just pure hilarious brilliance. 

The Exchange's wonderful setting and cast, ridiculous situations, and biting humor will touch both your funny bone and your heart.  Très magnifique!

Watch it

If you liked this review and want to see more from Watch or Pass, please consider 

following us on our various social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube. 

The Exchange is available digitally and on demand on July 30, 2021.  

For additional information about the film and to rent / buy it, check it out at the links below.

This site contains affiliate links. //Commerce or this site may be compensated when you click through links on our site.