Larissa Manoela
Barbara
Overview
Two best friends embark on a life-changing adventure abroad as exchange students.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
6 min readThe Exchange Student’s Laugh Track
I’ve seen this movie before. Not this movie, exactly—there’s no way I could have, since The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student slipped onto Netflix in 2021 with all the fanfare of a library book returned a day late. But I’ve seen the idea of this movie: the fish-out-of-water American abroad, the culture-clash gags, the best-friend duo whose chemistry is supposed to carry us through ninety-six minutes of lightly spiced rom-com.
It’s the kind of film that exists in the shadow of its own premise, like a cover band playing a song you’ve heard so many times you can hum along without ever really listening.
And yet. There’s something disarming about the way this particular iteration unfolds, something almost accidental in its warmth. It’s not good, exactly—at least, not in the way that leaves you scribbling notes in the dark or texting friends to demand they watch it immediately.
But it’s alive in the way a house party is alive: a little messy, occasionally awkward, but full of people who seem genuinely happy to be there. That’s rarer than it should be.
The setup is straightforward to the point of invisibility. Two Brazilian best friends—Barbara (Larissa Manoela) and Taila (Thati Lopes)—land in the U.S. As exchange students, where they’re immediately plunged into the kind of sitcom chaos that feels like it was written by someone who’s seen EuroTrip too many times.
There’s a host family with a son who’s either a love interest or a punchline (Bruno Montaleone, whose grin suggests he knows exactly which one he’s supposed to be), a rival exchange student who’s either a villain or a misunderstood ally (Maiara Walsh, gamely leaning into the role’s cartoonish edges), and a series of escalating misunderstandings that culminate in, of course, a dance-off.
If you’ve ever watched a teen comedy from the 2000s, you already know the beats. The question isn’t what happens—it’s whether the film can make you care about the people it happens to.
Here’s the thing: it almost does. Not because the script is particularly sharp (it isn’t), or because the jokes land with any regularity (they don’t), but because Manoela and Lopes have a rapport that feels real in a way the writing never quite earns. There’s a scene early on where the two of them lie on a bed, scrolling through their phones, their shoulders pressed together in a way that suggests years of shared secrets.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 6.5/10
"A lighthearted Brazilian rom-com with charming leads but a formulaic plot that struggles to stand out."
The chemistry between the two best friends at the center is engaging and fun. The breezy tone and colorful setting make it an easy watch, but the story is predictable, the supporting characters are thin, and it leans on familiar tropes without adding much.
What viewers praise
- Charming lead performances Larissa Manoela and Thati Lopes give lively, relatable performances as best friends navigating exchange-student life.
- Fun and lighthearted tone The upbeat, cheerful atmosphere makes it an enjoyable, low-stakes watch.
- Engaging chemistry The friendship between the leads feels authentic and entertaining.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn rom-com tropes without much freshness or surprise.
- Underdeveloped supporting cast Side characters lack depth, so the world feels thin.
- Lacks originality The film brings nothing new to the romantic comedy genre.
Recommended for
Fans of light rom-coms Larissa Manoela fans Brazilian cinema fans Feel-good movie seekers Teen romance lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student: Behind the Scenes of the Brazilian Rom-Com
The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student (2021) landed on Netflix as a lighthearted Brazilian rom-com, but its journey from script to screen—and the buzz around its young cast—kept fans curious. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what the limited evidence reveals about the making of the film, its reception, and the stars who brought it to life.
A Brazilian Rom-Com with a Twist
Directed by Bruno Garotti and written by Garotti and Sylvio Gonçalves, the film follows two best friends—played by Larissa Manoela and Thati Lopes—as they navigate the chaos of an exchange program in the U.S.. The premise blends humor with the universal struggles of young adulthood, a formula that resonated with audiences seeking escapism during the pandemic era.
While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, the film’s Brazilian roots and bilingual dialogue (Portuguese and English) set it apart from typical teen rom-coms. The original title, Diários de Intercâmbio, hints at its cultural flavor, though Netflix’s English rebranding leaned into the "secret diary" hook to broaden its appeal.
The Cast: Rising Stars and Fan Favorites
Larissa Manoela, already a household name in Brazil thanks to her role in the As Aventuras de Poliana series, carried the film alongside Thati Lopes, whose chemistry with co-star Bruno Montaleone became a talking point. Montaleone, a former model turned actor, played the love interest, Lucas, and his on-screen dynamic with Manoela’s character, Barbara, sparked fan edits and social media buzz.
The supporting cast included Maiara Walsh (Cory in the House), Flávia Garrafa, and David Sherod, but it was Manoela and Lopes who dominated discussions. Their real-life friendship—often documented on Instagram—added a layer of authenticity to their characters’ bond, though neither has confirmed whether their off-screen camaraderie influenced the script [unconfirmed].
Reception: Mixed Reviews, But a Cult Following
Critics were divided. Some praised the film’s breezy charm and vibrant cinematography, while others dismissed it as formulaic,. The YouTube review circuit was equally split: one critic called it "a fun, if forgettable, Netflix original", while another highlighted its "refreshing" Brazilian perspective.
The soundtrack, featuring a cover of *NSYNC’s "Kissin’ You" by Manoela and Montaleone, became a standout moment, racking up millions of streams. The song’s inclusion—part of a climactic scene—was a rare bright spot in a film that otherwise struggled to stand out in Netflix’s crowded rom-com library.
What’s Next? Rumors of a Sequel (But Don’t Hold Your Breath)
Speculation about a follow-up surfaced shortly after the film’s release, fueled by a YouTube clip teasing "what’s next" for the characters. However, no official announcement has been made, and Netflix has remained tight-lipped. Given the film’s modest reception, a sequel seems unlikely—unless fan demand (or a viral TikTok trend) changes the studio’s mind.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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