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Parents' Guide to

The Exchange

By Jordan Elizabeth, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Exchange student charms small town in sophomoric comedy.

Movie NR 2021 93 minutes
The Exchange Poster Image

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Is It Any Good?

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The Exchange tells the familiar story of a sleepy town that's revitalized by a foreign visitor. Here, Stéphane is the mythical person of color who uses his "flavor" to enrich a boring, frigid Canadian town. Adults and teens alike sexualize him, even though he's underage. Stéphane teaches the townspeople to be inclusive and nonjudgmental and to practice cultural humility. Then, having endured their harsh treatment, he heads back home to France. His purpose and value seem to be in enriching the lives of the White characters. The title, The Exchange, alludes to a reciprocal exchange, but it's ultimately one-sided. Still, The Exchange is a simple, well-crafted story with effective, Disney-level character acting. And it's just as sophomoric and silly as you'd expect from a teen comedy.

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