THE RENTAL: Two couples on an oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister, as well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light. Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand star in this unnerving and sophisticated debut thriller from Dave Franco (NEIGHBORS, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, THE DISASTER ARTIST).
Director:Dave Franco | Writer:Dave Franco, Joe Swanberg (EASY) | Cast:Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, Toby Huss, Sheila Vand, Anthony Molinari | Runtime:88 Minutes | Genre: Thriller / Horror
Commentary: Not much horror in this twisted thriller from Dave Franco. Luckily we are left with a pretty decent film that is engaging enough to carry us through the 88 minutes. In hind sight I do ponder the intentions first sought out by the filmmakers. I will not go too deep into that lest a spoil some of the twists but I will go so far as to say that the last 30 minutes didn’t quite groove with the first 60. I will keep talking and say that I sort of enjoyed the end more than the journey to get there. This circles back to my question of intentions. It might be safe to say that Franco had this concept that we get in the end but struggled on how to get us there. Some may argue that the concept was the actually the first portion and the end was an after thought and a way just to wrap things up. Even the poster seems like it has its own idea of what this movie is about. more below
The premise is movie script gold. Two couples plan to spend the weekend at a rental house. Charlie (Dan Stevens) and his wife Michelle (Alison Brie) are being joined by Charlie’s brother Josh (Jeremy Allen White) and his girlfriend Mina (Sheila Vand). Charlie and Mina are business partners and part of the reason for the trip is to celebrate a lucrative deal. A lot of cans are opened and worms do crawl out. But there isn’t enough time to make the arguments and drama make sense. For example; Michelle finds out a secret about Charlie’s dating past. Her reaction lets you know that she is upset but because we do not have all the backstory it feels more like over reacting. The secret on its own is very trivial without the history of their relationship.
The chemistry between Mina and Charlie is another element that the writers try to explore with little success. It is a catalyst for some future plot motives but it always feels fake and manipulative. The characters seem to do things only because it is what is written which removes any organic believability. These are seasoned actors who know how to perform. But they either didn’t get the right direction or they are as lost in the script as we are. The trudge through it enough to get us from beginning to end but it takes effort.
Fans of stalker thrillers will find a few nuggets in this one to walk away sated. Just go in with the understanding that a lot doesn’t happen. THE RENTAL is certainly a rental option. It is rated R for violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexuality so make it a late night viewing after the kids are safely tucked away. Once you watch it drop me a line. I would love to get your take on the film and how you think everything pieced together.
About The Author
