Synopsis: Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
We all need a little companionship and connection sometimes. While many of us claim to prefer solitude, one has to admit that when you’re around the right person, your soul smiles. Taking any sort of solo journey will eventually feel lonely and isolating. I’m not suggesting that you have to share every moment, but what’s the point of movies, music, concerts, good food, holidays, or love if you don’t experience them with others?
“What’s my role?”
Sometimes, everything in life can be put into perspective when you choose to help others rather than yourself. Co-written and directed by Hikari, Rental Family is an endearing tour of empathy and compassion. Led by a genuine and heartfelt performance by Brendan Fraser, this tender exploration is not only a moving display but also a glimpse of humanity at its best. While the film plays it safe in some respects, the vision is clear, and its execution is clean. Highlighting Japan through its rich tapestry of beauty, culture, and sentimentality, the country itself emerges as a character. Alive with emotion, this deeply affecting and ultimately joyful affair is guaranteed to captivate.
Rental Family is a story that tackles the quiet pain of loneliness and being forgotten. It reminds us that little acts of kindness and simply showing up can alter the trajectory of someone’s day or even their life. Embarking on this poignant intergenerational journey underscores the notion that these feelings can affect us all, regardless of age or social status. However, it also shines a light on the fact that not every society is comfortable with outwardly expressing mental anguish. What initially presents as a fish-out-of-water narrative is actually a carefully crafted blend of two cultures, resulting in life lessons and beautiful moments. Unfortunately, there is a negative.
The film had the opportunity to dive deeper into its subject matter, but instead, it went for low-hanging fruit. While Fraser’s Phillip unknowingly and unintentionally betters his life by providing for others, it’s the two main clients who are the problem. Now, yes, Mia and Kikou are fantastic characters who are incredibly portrayed by Shannon Gorman and Akira Emoto, respectively; however, advancing this type of story using the youngest and oldest characters seems like an emotional ploy that weakens its lasting effect. Understandably, Hikari could have chosen to focus on the two demographics that often face marginalization or disrespect, children and the elderly. Regardless, the message might resonate more if it also addressed the generations in between.
“You will never understand how things work here.”
The film is wonderfully shot as it sweeps through Japan’s intricate and vibrant cities and nightlife. It often oscillates from close and intimate to wide and curious. There is one shot in particular that breathes personality into our protagonist in addition to the film itself. Within the first ten to fifteen minutes, Phillip is eating alone in his apartment, looking out the window. From across the street, he watches other apartment dwellers in their lit windows, each life a separate, silent reality show. It’s obvious that he has no one, but is desperate for love, for laughs, for human connection. It’s simple and heartwrenching yet beautiful. It pairs incredibly well with the immense compassion Phillip displays as the lines between his new job and being a caring person quickly blur. Rental Family is a cozy film that can be enjoyed by most of the family and is worth your time if you’re seeking something real. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pace & Pop
The film’s pace is incredibly balanced. From its intimate character development to its seamless story flow, it finds a way to effortlessly even the scales without sacrificing details while also maintaining its tact and charm. What really pops is the sincerity in Fraser’s performance. It’s hard to look in his eyes and not believe every word that he utters.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, and Akira Emoto
The Brendan Fraser comeback continues. Exuding kindness and compassion that only grows greater with each passing scene, Fraser is the heart and soul of this film. Featuring a supporting cast with equally affecting performances, especially from Shannon Gorman and Mari Yamaoto, it takes a special kind of person not to feel anything.
Rental Family releases in theaters on November 21, 2025. Stay safe and choose kindness.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 50m Director: HIKARI Screenplay: HIKARI, Stephen Blahut Producers: Eddie Vaisman, p.g.a, Julia Lebedev, p.g.a, HIKARI, p.g.a, Shin Yamaguchi, p.g.a Executive Producers: Jennifer Semler, Tomo Koizumi, Stephen Blahut, Leonid Lebedev, Brendan Fraser, Oren Moverman Director of Photography: Takuro Ishizaka Production Designers: Norihiro Isoda, Masako Takayama Editors: Alan Baumgarten, ACE, Thomas A. Krueger Music: Jónsi & Alex Somers Costume Designer: Meg Mochizuki
Casting by: Kei Kawamura, CSA, Yumi Takada
Rental Family is an endearing tour of empathy and compassion. Led by a genuine and heartfelt performance by Brendan Fraser, this tender exploration is not only a moving display but also a glimpse of humanity at its best.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
