Rental Family

From Brendan Fraser’s continuing renaissance comes Hikari’s quirky yet heartwarming Rental Family. Based on a real industry in Japan, Rental Family follows Philip Vanderpelog (Brendan Fraser), an American actor in Tokyo, who finds himself working for a rental family agency playing ‘stand in’ roles for people who just need some companionship. As he bonds with his clients, Philip rediscovers his purpose navigating fatherhood and understanding the beauty of genuine human connection.

Blurring the lines between performance and reality, the film examines the rental family industry in Japan, weaving in themes of found family and loneliness in the modern day. Brendan Fraser gives a tender, human performance, forming genuine connections with his co-stars. Best enjoyed at the cinema with friends, the film leaves you with wide grinning laughs and heart sinking moments that stay with you long after the film ends.

Daksh Banerjee