Brendan Fraser brings empathy, softness, and delicacy to the lead character — an actor who joins a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He’s the beating heart of the film and allows the audience to connect with every one of his decisions. The movie’s Lost in Translation-like cultural contrasts raise fascinating questions about the titular company and its emotional impact on clients — whether positive, negative, or both. The concept itself is unique and quietly profound, offering an emotional patience rarely seen in stories like this.
However, the film’s editing lacks the same patience as Hikari’s direction, rushing between plot points instead of letting scenes breathe and linger. The supporting cast — including the outstanding Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, and Akira Emoto — all deliver memorable turns. Every role, no matter how small, holds a piece of the film’s emotional core. The movie embraces its themes about the beautiful risk of living fully and connecting with others, though its final act reaches a slightly messy and thematically muddled resolution. Rental Family works best in its subtle, tender moments — it’s charming, gentle, and heartfelt, even when imperfect.
Rating: ★★★½
Review by: Gal Balaban