About
Quick guide
Afspillerserver
Rental Family
20258110 min
DramaKomedie
Udgivet
20. nov. 2025
Land
United States of America
Produktioner
Sight Unseen PicturesDomo Arigato Productions
An American actor in Tokyo struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese 'rental family' agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality.
About
Quick guide
An American actor in Tokyo takes a job as a stand‑in for strangers, blurring line between performance and life.
Brendan Fraser plays an ex‑actor living in Tokyo who finds work with a rental‑family agency, filling in as a missing family member or friend for clients. Through these temporary roles, he becomes emotionally involved, discovering that the bonds he creates may be more real than the jobs he is paid to play. The film blends humor with moments of quiet reflection, exploring loneliness, identity and the human desire for connection.
What to know
- Release: U.S. theaters, 21 Nov 2025; later VOD on Prime and Hulu.
- Language: English and Japanese.
- Runtime: 110 minutes.
- Stars: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto.
- Directed by Hikari, co‑written with Stephen Blahut.
- Based on a real Japanese industry that hires actors for family roles.
- Tone: Light humor mixed with bittersweet drama.
- Target audience: Adults 18+ who appreciate character‑driven stories.
Watch if
If you enjoy heartfelt dramedies that balance comedy with touching moments—think of films like The Farewell or The Intouchables—and like Brendan Fraser’s sincere performances, Rental Family offers a quiet, thoughtful exploration of found family in an unexpected setting.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑energy blockbusters, action thrillers, or strictly family‑friendly fare without serious emotional weight, this film’s slow pace and mature themes may not be your cup of tea.
light tonefamily friendlymature themespsychological elementssad toneuplifting toneslow burn
Premise Overview
Phillip, an American actor stuck in low‑profile jobs, is hired by a Tokyo agency that rents actors to stand in as relatives or friends for people in need of support. He reluctantly takes on roles that range from a groom to a father‑figure, slowly learning that these temporary parts can create lasting bonds.
Real‑Life Inspiration
The film draws on Japan’s real rental‑family industry, where professional actors fill in for absent family members or social obligations. The story highlights how such services address loneliness and cultural expectations around appearance.
Casting Highlights
Fraser delivers a nuanced performance as Phillip, supported by Takehiro Hira’s charismatic agency owner, Mari Yamamoto’s empathetic colleague, and Shannon Mahina Gorman as a young girl seeking a father figure.
Tone and Style
Combining light comedic moments with moments of genuine sorrow, the film maintains a gentle, reflective pace. Dialogue is straightforward, with a focus on character interaction over plot twists.
Release Path
The movie premiered at TIFF on 6 Sep 2025, opened in U.S. theaters on 21 Nov 2025, and will later appear on VOD platforms and Hulu in early 2026.
Critical Reception
Critics praised Fraser’s performance and the film’s warm storytelling. It earned an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was named one of the year’s top ten by the National Board of Review.
Similar vibes
6 titler
Lost in Translation
Portrays an American in Japan navigating loneliness and culture.
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★7/10
The Intouchables
Shows unexpected friendships forming in unlikely circumstances.
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★8/10
The Lunchbox
Explores human connection through temporary roles in daily life.
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★7/10
Café Society
Blends light tone with personal growth in a quirky setting.
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★6/10
The Big Sick
Combines comedy and heartfelt drama around unconventional relationships.
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★7/10
The Farewell
Both films examine family bonds and cultural identity with subtle humor.
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★7/10
FAQ
24 Q&A
When was Rental Family released?
It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and opened in U.S. theaters on November 21, 2025.
Is Rental Family available to stream?
No, it is currently only in theaters. Digital and Hulu streams will launch in early 2026.
Who directed the film?
Hikari directed and co‑wrote the script with Stephen Blahut.
What is the rental‑family concept in Japan?
Japanese agencies hire actors to play roles such as parents, friends, or relatives for people needing social cover.
Who are the main actors?
Brendan Fraser stars as Phillip, with Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto in supporting roles.
What language is the film in?
The film is in both English and Japanese.
How long is the movie?
The runtime is 110 minutes.
Is it suitable for families?
It contains mature themes and some emotional content, so it is best for adults rather than younger viewers.
What themes does the film explore?
It looks at loneliness, identity, cultural belonging, and the idea of found family.
Does Brendan Fraser play a dramatic role?
Fraser delivers a warm, heartfelt performance that balances humor with vulnerability.
What inspired the storyline?
The writers researched real Japanese rental‑family agencies that hire actors for personal support roles.
Will there be a sequel?
No official plans for a sequel have been announced.
How was the film received by critics?
It earned an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its sincere storytelling.
What is the film’s tone?
It is a light, gently humorous drama with moments of sadness.
Can I watch it on my phone?
Once available on VOD, it will be viewable on standard streaming platforms, including mobile.
Is Rental Family based on a true story?
It is a fictional story inspired by real rental‑family services in Japan.
What is the main conflict in the film?
Phillip struggles to maintain professional boundaries while becoming emotionally attached to his clients.
How does the film portray the agency?
It shows the agency as a modern social service, providing comfort to those who feel alone.
What is the role of Takehiro Hira in the story?
He plays Shinji, the agency owner who hires and mentors Phillip.
Does the movie feature any musical moments?
The score by Jónsi and Alex Somers underscores the film’s emotional beats.
What should I expect from the film’s pacing?
A steady, reflective pace that allows characters to develop naturally.
Is there any violence in the film?
There is no graphic violence; the focus is on emotional interaction.
Will the film be available in other languages?
Subtitled versions in several languages will be released with the digital launch.
What awards has the film received?
It was named one of the National Board of Review’s top ten films of 2025.
