In ‘Rental Family,’ it’s sympathy and compassion for hire — and sometimes a groom

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Hikari’s film, “Rental Family,” is a heartwarming and funny story about people connecting with each other. It begins and ends with funerals, showing the personal growth of the main character, Philip (Brendan Fraser), throughout the movie.

The first funeral came as a complete surprise to Philip. He was an actor in Tokyo, known mostly for a popular toothpaste commercial where he played a superhero. His agent landed him a strange job – playing “Sad American,” a role he was naturally suited for with his tall frame, sad eyes, and openly emotional nature. Rushing as always, he arrived late to the job and found himself in the middle of a funeral. He was stunned to discover the person in the coffin was actually reacting to the heartfelt speeches being given.

The highlight of this scene is Brendan Fraser’s incredible performance, particularly his expressive reactions. Much of what makes “Rental Family” so good comes from watching him react, especially as he learns about his unusual new job.

The film, written by Hikari and Stephen Blahut, centers on Philip, who takes a job with Tada (Takehiro Hira) at a unique company called Rental Family. This company provides actors to play roles in people’s lives – everything from attending fake funerals to acting as a mistress delivering an apology, or simply providing companionship. Philip’s first assignment is particularly challenging: he’s asked to portray a Canadian groom in a staged wedding designed to satisfy a young woman’s conservative parents. The woman is queer and needs the fake marriage to allow her to be with the person she truly loves. Though initially uncomfortable with the deception, Philip quickly understands he’s helping someone live honestly, and he fully commits to the role.

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Rental Family’s core idea is to uphold traditional Japanese etiquette and politeness through acting, and they use small deceptions to fulfill what their clients desire – whether it’s an apology, friendship, affection, respect, or a sense of resolution. Philip faces his biggest challenge when he pretends to be the long-lost American father of a clever and perceptive young girl named Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman) to help her get into school. Both Philip and Mia’s mother (Shino Shinozaki), who hired the service, quickly discover that simply acting like a family for a school interview is far more complex than they anticipated.

Philip is balancing two very different roles: being a new father and a journalist writing a story about Kikuo, a once-famous actor who’s now faded from public view. Through interviewing Kikuo (played by Akira Emoto), Philip gains unexpected insights into life, memory, and what people leave behind. He forms strong connections with the people he meets – both young and old – and becomes increasingly involved in their lives.

Brendan Fraser’s ability to connect with audiences emotionally was key to his acclaimed performance in “The Whale,” and Hikari skillfully uses that same quality in “Rental Family” without going overboard. The film is genuinely touching and heartwarming, but avoids feeling overly sweet or manipulative. Hikari understands how to blend humor with sadness, portraying Philip as a complex adult with flaws and needs, while still making his good heart shine through thanks to Fraser’s natural warmth.

Hikari’s realistic style is a perfect fit for this story. She portrays Tokyo as a city of everyday life, rather than the high-tech, brightly lit version often seen by visitors. Her focus is on the small details: crowded apartments, karaoke, trains, hotels, temples, and schools. It’s a world filled with ordinary people who sometimes need a little support to achieve their goals. Philip offers them that help, even as he searches for connection in his own life.

Philip’s journey isn’t about avoiding mistakes, but learning from them – and by the second funeral, we truly see how much he’s changed. Fraser’s performance is beautifully expressive, like a flower blossoming with newfound confidence and happiness. It’s been wonderful to watch Fraser’s career resurgence as an actor. He grounds this heartwarming and thoughtful film, which also marks Hikari as a filmmaker to watch. The movie ultimately celebrates the power of human connection.

Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-11-22 00:31