Rental Family is a funny, touching, and intriguing look at the concept of perception. Brendan Fraser continues to bring the art of humanity into a role that lives in breathes emotion and heart.
Synopsis: 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. | 1h 43m | PG-13 for thematic elements, some strong language, and suggestive material
Phillip (Brendan Fraser) is an American trying to make it as an actor in Japan. The last seven years have been tough with very few roles, and none significant. When he lands a gig with the rental family agency he finds a new kind of acting that will push him to depths he never thought imaginable. Along the way Phillip struggles with the same questions we as the viewer do. When does pretend become a lie? Is helping someone while hurting others a defendable decision?
Phillip’s “gigs” all make him question the process but none like the two that will disrupt his very core. Playing father to a little girl, and friend to an aging actor. Each role teaches him about life, compassion, and being there for others. But what does it matter when it is all cocooned in a lie? That is the main journey we take with Phillip.
Rental families in Japan is a real thing which makes the questions even more pertinent. According to the all mighty internet; “…rental family services exist in Japan, where clients can hire actors to portray family members for social events like weddings or for companionship. This service, which emerged in the 1990s, is used for various reasons, such as fulfilling social obligations, navigating societal norms, or simply to combat loneliness.”
It is not clear if these services go to the extremes that we see in this movie, but possibly. Each decision Phillip makes blurs the lines between acting and real life. As he connects with these strangers it not only changes them but Phillip as well. Sometimes with joy and often with tragedy. The film balances the heavy scenes with several lighter ones. This enhances both and gives us a strong connection with Phillip and the emotional moments.
Brendan Fraser was the best choice to play Phillip and I am not sure we will see a more real and soft spoken performance from any actor. Fraser has returned these last few years with a profound sense of humanity and innocence in his acting that truly engages audiences. Here Phillip is just a big American guy in a sea of people. As he navigates the Japanese culture he touches everyone he meets in some way. With Fraser at the wheel you believe and trust it all.
The film has a good amount of Japanese dialogue with English Subtitles. Please do not let that be a deterrent. Take the time to engage with the characters and the conversations. You will walk away with joy and a warm feeling inside. It may not answer the question of right and wrong, but it does show how one man did make it something special for those he met.
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