Character Development/Writing Quality:
Lindsay Hartley (Samantha) continues to prove her acting savvy; she seamlessly slips into the role of a mother, exhibiting a natural and woman-next-door appeal that is endearing. Once she realizes what her foreign exchange student, Chloe, is up to, her kind demeanor immediately shifts into defensive protective parent who will not stand for her twisted tactics. Chloe's character is skillfully handled by Valentina Novakovic as she goes from a seemingly harmless guest to a swiftly evil-minded girl whose goal is to make Samantha become the "mum" she lost ten years ago, when her mother's boyfriend killed her. The lengths she goes to make this happen are outrageous, of course, and she wears the role of a deceiving psychotic well. The story itself is not anything unprecedented, but it does hold your attention as Chloe manages to find cruel tricks to play at every turn.
Values: The mother-daughter bond between Samantha and her daughter Blake is sealed tightly. Samantha's boyfriend refuses to give in to Chloe's attempts at seduction. Blake is good friends with Jake--when he recognizes that Chloe purposely pushes him in a pool, knowing he can't swim, he vows to ensure that the truth is revealed to everyone else. His care for Chloe is strong and dependable.
Content (sex, language & violence): Chloe's revealing chest in a picture. Minimal language. Violence is strong at the opening and minimal throughout.
Scare factor: The deadly things Chloe does; the opening scene depicting her mother being killed.
Overall, a strongly plotted story with excellent performances by the two leads.
Review of Deadly Exchange
