In a world where the quest for connection often feels elusive, Brendan Fraser delivers an incredibly moving performance in his most compelling role since his Oscar-winning turn in The Whale. Yet, this isn't merely a praise of his acting skills—it's a reflection on the poignancy he brings to his character in Rental Family, a heartwarming and insightful comedic drama directed by Hikari, who is also known for Netflix’s Beef.
Fraser takes on the role of Phillip Vandarploeug, once the charismatic face of a famous Japanese toothpaste commercial, now struggling to make ends meet as he plays the part of token foreigners on various Japanese television shows. His smile, once vibrant and captivating, is now more of a gentle, apologetic expression that reflects a man grappling with his fading relevance in the entertainment world.
Phillip’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is approached by a rental family service—a real phenomenon in Japan that offers individuals to pose as friends or family members during social gatherings. In a society where cultural expectations often pressure people to spend extravagantly, sometimes investing in a "rental" companion for events like weddings can be seen as a practical solution.
His new employer, Shinji, portrayed by Takehiro Hira from Shogun, introduces him to this quirky yet revealing industry, and it doesn't take long for Phillip to discover both the value of his work and the subtle humor embedded in it. As he navigates through various gigs, two particular clients stand out and ultimately reshape his seemingly mundane career.
First, he meets a single mother, played by Shino Shinozaki, who hires him to pose as a supportive husband during her 11-year-old daughter’s interview at a prestigious private school. Next, he encounters the daughter of a senior actor, played by Akira Emoto, who requests a Western journalist to interview her increasingly forgetful father, providing him a chance to reminisce about his life and achievements one last time.
Shinji thoughtfully explains their mission: "We’re here to help clients connect to what’s missing." For Emoto’s character, it's about finding solace in the legacy of his career, while for young Mia, brought to life by Shannon Mahina Gorman, the connection reveals a more bittersweet twist—her mother insists that Phillip is her estranged father, adding an emotional layer to their interactions.
The chemistry between Fraser and Gorman is nothing short of remarkable, allowing their relationship to bloom authentically, while skillfully avoiding some of the more predictable emotional tropes. Additionally, Tokyo serves not just as a stunning visual backdrop but also acts as a character in its own right—an expansive city filled with solitude, yet bursting with opportunities for serendipitous encounters where constructed realities can lead to genuine connections.
Currently showing in theaters, Rental Family invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the unexpected ways we find meaning in our lives.
