Cast
View AllBianca Tonsall
as Sinclair John
Donny Boaz
as Mr. Adams
Ian Haywood
as Chris
Roc Living
as Mr. Reams
Mary Michelle
as Monique
Christopher St. Mary
as Malcolm
Brandi Jamille Brown
as Mrs. John
Jaye Alexander
as Jackie
Reggie Choyce
as Bishop
Monique Holmes
as Mrs. Baker
Tonyai Palmer
as Mrs. Williams
Jae McCain
as Detective Anderson
Kourtney Hunt
as Detective Houston
Diego Bieberach
as Diego
Justin Milton
as Undercover Cop
Crew
Director
- Jonathan Milton
Writer
- Jonathan Milton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Foreign Exchange Student presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jonathan Milton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Foreign Exchange Student took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: September 3, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch

