An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.
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- rg9400July 7, 2026Why do adults lie? This movie asks that question in almost every interaction as a diverse range of characters seek to find connection. The shot that precedes the title card is straight out of Rear Window, the main character voyeuristally staring at the lives of the people living across from him, framed by his apartment, one of many. In lesser hands, this movie could have become overtly saccharine, but Hikari's directing has a deft touch. While this movie has plenty of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, it also feels like it has a lot more to offer. Whether it's the unique concept or some strange acting gigs, it's oddly endearing even in its stranger moments. The movie brings Tokyo to life, the unique cultural aspects omnipresent, making me yearn to go back. It also doesn't shy away from highlighting and tackling the ethical and moral messiness at its core. Throughout everything is Brendan Fraser who brings such believable sincerity and earnestness that I wanted to hug him through the screen. He grounds the movie, but his co-stars have such great chemistry with him as well. Shannon Mahina Gorman does an admirable job as Mia, and I really felt the emotional weight behind their dynamic. I do wish we got more of them together, and I did feel like some of the resolution at the end of the movie was a bit too simple. That's a minor quibble overall though. I saw a review comparing this movie to the works of Frank Capra, and I agree with that assessment. The sentimentality feels earned and reinforced with depth and heart, and I hope people leave this movie with their own answers to that opening question.
- AlexJune 28, 2026The movie *Rental Family* shows the emotional gap in Japan and how limited and strict things can be in ways that other countries often do not see. America has so much privilege and many ways to express yourself without as many limitations or struggles, but unfortunately, in Japan it is different. Whether it's your career, family, or social standing, there is always an expectation and a limitation. This movie shows how some people rent family members to create situations that don't exist, making them feel real in order to fulfill the emptiness in their lives. Brendan Fraser, once again, did a wonderful job. I love the roles he chooses because he truly puts his heart into every performance. This movie shows that sometimes you need to break the limitations that family, friends, and society place on you, but in the right way. Currently, America has been doing many things completely wrong, but simple things, like having someone by your side or someone to fulfill a dream you've been waiting for, even if it's just taking a train ride around the country, can mean everything. This movie brought tears to my eyes because family is everything. Jobs, money, and other things are meaningless if you have no one to grow and share them with. This movie truly touched my heart and is one that should continue to be appreciated.
- juliantmMay 7, 2026I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. It touched on subjects I think many of us witness or feel and push aside day to day. Its a beautiful view into some Japanese culture while I feel bringing western audiences in to share. Surprisingly well paced and thought provoking. The cinematography was superb and you could probably study this movie and find something new every time. The top movie I have seen in at least 10 years.
- Chris CDecember 3, 2025It's a rare film that can hit all the highs and lows of sad, depressing, heartwarming, and hopeful, while feeling like they were all necessary and earned. It's an odd and interesting premise for a movie, but pulls it off very well, anchored by a wonderful performance by Brendan Fraser. Give this one a shot and you almost certainly won't be disappointed.
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Rental Family was released on November 21, 2025.
Rental Family was directed by Hikari.
Rental Family has a runtime of 1h 50m.
Rental Family was produced by Hikari, Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Shin Yamaguchi.
An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.
The key characters in Rental Family are Phillip Vanderploeg (Brendan Fraser), Shinji Tada (Takehiro Hira), Aiko Nakajima (Mari Yamamoto).
Rental Family is rated PG-13.
Rental Family is a Comedy, Drama film.
Rental Family has an audience rating of 9.5 out of 10.
Rental Family has made $26.6M at the box office.