Actors Taylor Frey and Rick Cosnett (“The Vampire Diaries”) star in the new film “The Holiday Exchange.”
Veteran director Jake Helgren directed from a screenplay by Taylor Frey. The concept is similar to “The Holiday” starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz but with an LGBTQ twist to it.
The synopsis is: Wilde Williams (Taylor Frey) must cope with vacationing as a bachelor, so he decides to swap houses on an LGBTQ app with Oliver (Rick Cosnett).
In their efforts to escape their woes, they end up meeting two locals Julius (Samer Salem) and Henry (Daniel Garcia), who set romance on fire from Los Angeles to the charming town of Brilfax.
Kyle Richards is effervescent as Lola Williams, Wilde’s mother. Taylor Frey and Rick Cosnett have great chemistry together, and their affecting rapport allows for more resonance.
In fact, everybody in the cast is impressive in this movie, and they all elevate themselves collectively.
“The Holiday Exchange” is available on Tubi and Amazon Freevee.
The Verdict
Overall, “The Holiday Exchange” is a compelling new rom-com starring Taylor Frey and Rick Cosnett. It is filled with a lot of heart, soul, and wit; moreover, the screenplay is structured, subtle, and uplifting.
Jake Helgren should be commended for his vision and solid direction, and the same holds true for Frey as both an actor and screenwriter.
This movie is feel-good escapism and it ought to be enjoyed for its beauty, authenticity, and simplicity. “The Holiday Exchange” garners 4.5 out of 5 stars.
In addition for fans of “The Holiday Exchange,” an equally noteworthy film is “Shoulder Dance,” directed by Jay Arnold, which also stars Taylor Frey and Rick Cosnett.
