Brendan Fraser’s “Rental Family”: A Touching Exploration of Connection in Modern Tokyo

Brendan Fraser stars in Rental Family, a 2025 comedy-drama directed by Hikari, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on November 21, 2025. The film explores themes of purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection through the lens of an American actor navigating an unusual job in Tokyo.

The Premise: Renting a Life

Rental Family centers on Phillip Vanderploeg, an American actor living in Tokyo who struggles to find consistent work after a past commercial success. He takes a job with a Japanese agency, Rental Family, which provides actors to play family members or friends for individuals seeking companionship or a temporary sense of belonging. The company, owned by Shinji, offers a unique service, filling a void for those who may lack traditional social structures.

Cast and Crew

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including:

• Brendan Fraser as Phillip Vanderploeg
• Takehiro Hira as Shinji Tada
• Mari Yamamoto as Aiko Nakajima
• Shannon Mahina Gorman
• Akira Emoto

Hikari directed the film, co-writing the screenplay with Stephen Blahut. The production team includes Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev as producers, with cinematography by Takurō Ishizaka and editing by Alan Baumgarten and Thomas A. Krueger. Jónsi and Alex Somers composed the music.

Critical Reception and Awards

Rental Family has received positive reviews, with critics particularly praising Brendan Fraser’s performance. The National Board of Review included the film on its list of the top 10 films of the year. As of February 17, 2026, the film has grossed $19.6 million worldwide.

Hikari on the Film’s Inspiration

Director Hikari shared that the film was inspired by her own experiences as an exchange student in the United States. She explained, “When I first came to the United States, I was an exchange student in Utah and had the experience of being the only ‘foreigner,’ but during that time I made so many amazing friends who are still a part of my life today. More than 30 years have passed and those friendships that I have managed to build and the bond that I have managed to establish have always been fundamental. I wanted to bring this idea back, because for me – even if you arrive from a different culture or background or have a different skin color – if you’re open to this exchange, it can really be a way to make the world a better place, in a way. So I wanted to bring that idea into this character. If we continue to practice this openness towards others, one day in the future we can then make this place a little better than it is now.”

A Delicate Balance

According to a review from Cinematografo.it, the film “flirts with the danger of a corny sentimentality” but ultimately succeeds in portraying the complexities of human relationships. The review highlights Fraser’s performance as a return to form after his role in The Whale, and praises the film’s ability to navigate the “chaos of Tokyo” while offering insights into the nature of acting and the importance of connection.

Where to Watch

Rental Family is currently available to rent or purchase from major digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability.