Rental Family TIFF Review: Brendan Fraser Delivers A Deeply Touching Performance In One Of The Year’s Best Dramas

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Hikari’s Rental Family is a remarkably kind and relatable film – possibly the most human you’ll watch this year. It’s a much-needed story that beautifully portrays the universal feelings of loneliness and the desire for connection – whether with family, friends, or even people we barely know. Written by Hikari and Stephen Blahut, the film is a heartwarming and funny drama with a truly beautiful narrative.

I was deeply touched by this film. I usually prefer going into movies knowing very little – just the basic idea and maybe a quick trailer – so the story can unfold naturally and still surprise me. Rental Family truly delivered on that front; it felt like a refreshing and beautiful experience. It’s a moving film that explores complicated feelings and connections with a gentle touch, and it might even make you cry.

Okay, so this movie centers around a guy named Phillip, played by Brendan Fraser – and honestly, it’s one of his best performances. He’s a down-on-his-luck actor who ends up working for this really strange company called Rental Family, run by a guy named Shinji. Basically, they rent him out to be whatever people need – a fake dad, a journalist, you name it. There’s this sweet little girl, Mia, whose mom hires Phillip to pose as her dad for a school interview, and then this retired actor, Kiko, who wants Phillip to interview him so he doesn’t fade into obscurity. He plays a ton of different parts, it’s wild!

I just finished watching Hikari’s film, and it’s truly beautiful. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t rush things, taking its time to build the story and really connect you with the characters, especially their relationships with Phillip. Rental Family has a lot going on, balancing multiple storylines, but it handles it all so smoothly, it feels completely natural. What really got to me was watching Phillip connect with Mia and Kiko – it’s a really touching relationship. But it’s not a one-way street; they’re all helping each other heal and find a little bit of what they’re missing. It’s like the film builds a connection between them, so none of them have to feel so alone.

The drama skillfully portrays the complex relationships between its characters. It’s heartwarming without being overly sentimental, and truly understands what makes these people tick. The conversations feel genuine, and the film is surprisingly funny at times. It manages to balance all these elements with grace. At its core, it’s a deeply human story about how we connect with each other. Through the character of Phillip, the film also highlights the ethical challenges of providing this kind of service – how becoming involved in people’s personal lives impacts both them and himself – and it handles these issues with care and understanding.

Rental Family’s Cast Approaches The Narrative With Heart & Depth

Beyond the strong writing and beautiful music, Rental Family relied on a talented cast to truly shine, and it absolutely delivers. Brendan Fraser heads a wonderful ensemble, giving a particularly effective performance. He expertly conveys Phillip’s deep loneliness and the cautious joy he finds in his new job, using subtle expressions to reveal his character’s inner life. Fraser is always a compelling actor, and here he beautifully portrays Phillip’s vulnerability as he connects with others and grapples with his own emotions.

Shannon Mahina and Akira Emoto deliver outstanding performances as Mia and Kiko. Though at different points in their lives and facing unique situations, both actors deeply enrich their characters and their connections with Phillip. Mahina beautifully portrays Mia’s curiosity, subtly highlighting the harm in deceiving children, even with good intentions. Emoto poignantly captures the universal desire to be remembered, and his performance is both heartwarming and adds a welcome touch of humor to the film.

Rental Family is a beautifully made film that explores deep human emotions and how our lives are shaped by the world and the choices of others. It’s a touching story that raises important questions, and the answers it provides are truly satisfying.

Rental Family premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Note: This review was originally posted on September 7th, 2025.

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2025-11-18 20:08