“Rental Family”

Deeply heartfelt and universally touching, director Hikari‘s “Rental Family” is a film that’s as sweet as they come. It’s gentle without being cloying, poignant without being heavy-handed, and ultimately feels like a small but meaningful reminder of how important kindness and human connection really are in a world that seems to be losing both.

The film tells the story of Philip (Brendan Fraser), an American actor adrift in Tokyo who stumbles into an unusual job with a Japanese “rental family” agency. His gig is portraying as a stand-in relative for strangers, which obviously becomes very complicated as lines between performances and reality are blurred. Phillip finds himself attending funerals, playing absent relatives, and offering emotional support where it is otherwise missing.  In the process, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the power of human connection.

Fraser gives an excellent lead performance in one of his most well-cast roles to date, and his turn is one that feels perfectly calibrated to the film’s tone. He has exactly the right look and presence for Phillip, and he is believable as a mid-level actor whose career has stalled in a strange in-between space. Fraser brings immense empathy and realism to the role, blending vulnerability, warmth, and subtle humor. His performance never begs for sympathy yet naturally draws it out, making Phillip feel achingly human. It’s one of those performances where you sense the character’s loneliness even when he’s smiling, and it’s very affecting.

The film explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the search for belonging in a modern, isolating world. It reflects deeply on the meaning of family within the emotional complexities of Japanese culture, where social norms can sometimes clash with individual needs. The idea of chosen family emerges naturally as temporary connections begin to feel genuine, and authenticity is found in places that initially seem artificial. The film suggests that even fleeting relationships can be deeply meaningful and sometimes life changing.

Hikari handles these ideas with a sophisticated balance of wisdom and organic whimsy. The humor is soft and observational, never undercutting the emotional stakes. There’s a universal fish out of water setup that still manages to feel distinct in its perspective, especially with the story being told through a Japanese lens. There’s a cultural richness to the film that’s quite beautiful. 

The ensemble cast of Japanese actors (including a terrific turn from Takehiro Hira) as well as an adorable supporting turn from Shannon Mahina Gorman adds depth and texture to the world Phillip inhabits. Through his surrogate roles, we’re drawn into a web of lives across Tokyo where each one reveals a different shade of longing, hope, or quiet resilience.

A truly beautiful movie, “Rental Family” is a reminder of the joys of being kind to each other. It’s about overcoming grief, finding purpose, and realizing that the most important role you can ever play is being yourself. 

By: Louisa Moore