Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

Brendan Fraser is a struggling American actor living in Japan taking on paid roles to ‘star’ in other people’s lives.

Rental Family does what it says on the tin in its warm, quietly affecting story about human beings innate want of connection. The film introduces us to a plethora of clients and their lives that are so richly developed we can’t resist wanting to know how the rest of their stories unfolds. We are enveloped in these vignettes and dissolve in dissatisfaction when Fraser moves on to the next client. The audience is manipulated to feel part of the rental family team, a conceit which is expertly crafted by writer and director Hikari.

One storyline that soars is Fraser’s ‘rent-a-dad’ gig. His ‘daughter’ played by Shannon Mahina Gorman is particularly impressive in her blunt suspicion and childlike willingness to seek the best in people. Gorman is so genuine in her role that the inevitable reveal that Fraser is not the father feels like a betrayal, even to the audience who are included in the ruse.

There is an emotional clarity in this arc and a sharp reminder that for better or worse people can come into your life for a short time and still make a world of difference.

The film has the occasional side-step away from Fraser and the audience gleans a little of the inner lives of the rental family company staff. It’s feels like a disservice that their stories aren’t adequately explored, particularly the company owner, Takehiro Hira. Still, Rental Family is a sweet, soft-edged film that leaves you with a smile and a lingering thought to the big little differences we can make in the lives of those around us.

Have you seen Rental Family? Let me know what you thought in the comments.