Introduction
Period pieces in film represent a good chunk of current offerings. People love telling stories from the past. A big part of an honest depiction is the time frame that informs the overall context. While some films treat their particular era as an afterthought, others lean into the aesthetic and vibe of the time to great effect. When done right, this can transport viewers back to a beloved bygone era. 2021’s The Exchange is a classic example of this.
When 1980’s throwback became a thing, scores of jaded “Gen Xers” rejoiced at the decade of their youth finally getting its due adoration. Like the litany of 1950’s-themed film and TV that dominated the decade of excess. Now our entertainment is written and directed by creators who cut their teeth on the pop culture of the era. Notably, with little supervision.
And so the trend continues today, with more and more 1990’s narratives popping up as a new decade dawns. Though the novelty has somewhat worn off with the current abundance of 1980s nostalgia, it certainly would be a shame to let The Exchange, the latest cinematic love letter to the decade, go unnoticed.
Synopsis
Veteran television writer and producer Tim Long (“The Simpsons”, “Late Night With David Letterman”) penned the coming of age story about…Tim Long. A shy teenager growing up in the rural Canadian town of Hobart back in 1986.
As the various characters (or caricatures, in this case) of Tim’s universe are introduced in The Exchange, one thing becomes painfully clear, Tim’s love of French cinema and various other esoteric interests aren’t exactly shared by his peers. Or by anyone else in Hobart for that matter.
Tim’s sense of “otherness” is only amplified by a touch of social anxiety. As well as and a level of brutal self-consciousness only suffered by teenagers. In an attempt to cultivate a built-in friendship with someone who will deliver him from his unsophisticated surroundings. Tim decides to host a French exchange student.
Soon, however, Tim’s dreams of intellectual banter with a culturally adept equal are squashed. This when the dangerously handsome party boy Stéphane shows up instead. What ensues is an enjoyably awkward exercise in letting go of expectations, preconceived notions, and harsh self-criticism.
Analysis
The Exchange not only pays homage to the 1980’s, but it also feels very much like the coming-of-age romps that were ubiquitous during the era. Through a series of humorous sequences, Stéphane quickly gains popularity around the small town as his host’s displeasure grows.
An ensemble cast of comical characters provides lighthearted hijinks along with valuable commentary. PG-level sexual references (as well as a good old car coitus scene) further harken back to the gratuitous, and sometimes silly, carnal content that was obligatory in 1980’s high school movies.
Director Dan Mazer (Dirty Grandpa, Da Ali G Show) takes his time with awkward scenes giving the characters time to breathe and find a natural resolution that keeps the overall tone of the film from falling completely into full cringe. Mazer also does a great job conveying Tim’s somewhat unreasonable dismay while keeping him sympathetic.
Bright, synth-like musical cues (think Van Halen’s “Jump” rather than John Carpenter’s darker tones) tie together a soundtrack of 1980’s greats from Run-D.M.C. and The Smiths to Phil Collins and The Cure. While these types of musical elements may seem played out in similar outings, The Exchange wins big points for harnessing an important part of the decade’s vibe without it feeling at all tired.
The Cast
Ed Oxenbould is painfully adept at portraying the introverted Tim. With his Dahmer glasses and ever-so-slight lisp, Oxenbould’s performance expertly encompasses an underlying confidence. This hidden beneath a solid layer of gawky teenage angst.
Tragically unhip to the point of correcting grammar in bathroom graffiti. Oxenbould’s take on Tim thankfully makes his character feel more misunderstood than misanthropic. Oxenbould’s easy transition into leading man territory will come as no surprise to fans of the young actor’s witty childhood outings in The Visit (2015) and Better Watch Out (2016), among others.
An exceptionally charismatic performance by Avan Jogia as the glamorous Stéphane really makes The Exchange tick. Jogia’s version of the foreign exchange student makes the pivotal character as likable as he is dynamic. The girls want to be with him and the guys want to be him.
Just as Stéphane continually surprises the town with his special brand of “joie de vivre.” Jogia steadily delights as his layered performance evolves from somewhat goody to downright poignant. What a joy to watch an actor with such terrific comedic timing sneak in and tug on heartstrings when least expected.
In a surprisingly hilarious turn, Justin Hartley (“This Is Us”) plays the local coach/law enforcement official who has had it with the new Casanova in town stealing his thunder. Hartley keeps it absurd and acutely Canadian, as the bad guy you can’t help but secretly like. His brilliantly funny intensity is one of the best parts of The Exchange. An exciting departure from his recent dramatic work.
Critique
Despite being an overall satisfying film, The Exchange is not without a few bumps in the road. There’s a somewhat weak sub-narrative throughout about the racial divide that still looms in 1986 Canada. While obvious in its importance, it doesn’t quite hit its landing in the third act.
Another side story about Tim’s parents feels glossed over. This despite delightful efforts by Jennifer Irwin and Paul Braunstein in fairly meaty roles. Despite a few minor hiccups, Mazer and crew manage to sneak in a sweet little love story. It gives the film a bump up in the feels, and an extra arc in Tim’s tale.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible for today’s mannerisms and subtle fashion cues not to creep into even the most devout period piece, The Exchange does an admirable job capturing the 1980’s feel, while also subtlety paying respect to the films that shaped the era.
The film tackles themes of social anxiety and inherent adolescent awkwardness. Yet still honors the utter devastation teenagers experience in moments of turmoil. This is tricky business. Especially when you’re trying to joke about it. Fortunately, The Exchange demonstrates these age-old growing pains with a fun and heartfelt trip down memory lane.
The Exchange is scheduled to be released in the United States and Canada on July 30, 2021.
