Rental Family Is A Really Cute, Wholesome Movie, But I Want To Talk About This Serious Topic

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Rental Family is a heartwarming story about the power of joy – discovering it, holding onto it, and sharing it with others. I had the chance to see it at the Chicago International Film Festival, and while I didn’t go in with high expectations, I was quickly captivated by its delightful and wholesome nature.

The film centers on Phillip (Brendan Fraser), an American actor residing in Japan, who lands a surprising job. He begins working for a unique service that provides ‘rental families’ – people hired to temporarily fill family roles for clients. Rental Family is a heartwarming story about finding connection and belonging, and it also touches on themes of mental well-being and the importance of community.

Warning: Rental Family spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

I Love Rental Family’s Discussion On Connection As A Source To Help With Mental Health

There are many excellent films that explore mental health topics like depression and anxiety, and some even show how human connection can help. But Rental Family really stood out to me because it presented the unique idea of providing companionship as a professional service – something I hadn’t considered before.

I kept thinking about how we often assume making connections with others is simple. People really want those connections, so you’d think they’d come easily. After all, they’re essential for building a strong society. But that’s not the case for everyone. That’s why services that provide rented family members are so helpful – they’re meeting a real need. It’s similar to therapy, but instead of working through issues with a professional, you’re practicing social interaction by pretending someone is a relative or friend.

In the series Rental Family, Phillip’s early tasks include acting as a husband. At first, I was caught up in the practical details – like how often he’d visit as ‘family’ – but understanding the emotional reason behind it quickly made those details unimportant and highlighted the touching nature of the act.

As a movie lover, I really connected with the idea that human connection isn’t just good for the soul, but can actually ease tough feelings like sadness, loneliness, and even anxiety. I don’t believe it’s a cure-all for mental health struggles, but it definitely seems like a powerful way to make those struggles feel a little less overwhelming.

I Enjoyed How Connection Also Works In The Movie As A Way To Find A Deeper Understanding Of People, Culture, And The World

I’d never come across the idea of ‘rental family’ services before, and honestly, as an American, my first reaction was a bit of disbelief – it seemed really strange. But the movie does a great job of explaining how deeply rooted this practice is in Japanese culture, and why it’s actually a really important service for a lot of people. It made me realize I was judging something I didn’t understand, and I started to see the necessity of it. While other countries might have similar things, this feels distinctly Japanese in its origins and impact.

This also got me thinking about how useful a service like this could be for people in the US. While similar options might already exist, increased popularity could potentially benefit society in Western countries.

In the documentary Rental Family, Phillip primarily focuses on getting to know and connect with various families. Through building relationships with them, he develops genuine care and ultimately gains a deeper understanding of family dynamics.

As a total film buff, I’ve always felt that what draws me to a story – or a character – is wanting to get it, to truly understand it. And I think love is similar. It’s this incredibly powerful, almost magical feeling, but at its heart, it’s just a deep desire to understand another person and to be understood in return. We usually fall for people we feel a connection with, and that connection naturally leads to getting to know them on a deeper level.

Power exists in understanding and connecting.

I Also Found It Interesting How Connection Helps And Hinders Phillip In Rental Family

Phillip quickly builds strong relationships with the families he works with and excels at his job, offering them much-needed emotional support. He forms a particularly close bond with one family’s daughter, and the film beautifully explores themes of fatherhood. Beyond that, Phillip finds fulfillment in assisting a retired actor, giving him a renewed sense of purpose.

He inspires love and dedication in both of them, and they reciprocate those feelings. But when people get too comfortable with each other, it can be hard to maintain healthy boundaries. This can lead to a situation where work and personal life start to blend together.

Phillip starts overstepping personal and professional lines. His actions create risks for others and cause hardship for their families. While building relationships is valuable, it’s crucial to maintain boundaries. Phillip’s serious errors could lead to job loss and damage the company’s image.

I Think The Film Does A Really Good Job Offering An Empathetic Take For All The Characters

I’m really fascinated by this minor character in Rental Family – the guy who actually rents Phillip as a friend. We don’t get a deep dive into who he is, but the show gives us little glimpses of his life. I remember the first time Phillip went to his house; it was to play video games, and it was such a simple, yet impactful scene.

He initially appears disorganized and collects a lot of things, but as he develops a friendship with Phillip, he begins to change. He starts cleaning his apartment, improves his health, and becomes more outgoing.

Most films would have likely depicted this character as a failure, using him for laughs or to make him the butt of jokes. However, this story subtly reveals his background while still letting us witness his development and root for him. I especially appreciated how the film took the time to develop this seemingly minor character, allowing us to understand and empathize with his journey. It demonstrated a genuine understanding of human struggles and a caring perspective.

Rental Family Also Made Me Think About The Idea Of Truth And How Lies Can Be A Source Of Healing

I didn’t believe Phillip or his company did anything wrong, and I still don’t. But I strongly believe in honesty – it’s essential for building strong relationships and living authentically. So, looking back, it makes sense that I would have felt uneasy about their deception.

Lying isn’t always wrong. It’s a complex act, and sometimes it can even be justifiable – for example, if it helps someone feel better. In one instance, a man named Phillip tells a woman’s parents he’s her fiancé.

Initially, he felt uncomfortable deceiving her friends and family. He soon learned, however, that she had pretended to marry him so she could actually marry her girlfriend. This deception gave her the freedom to live authentically, away from her family’s disapproval and limitations.

It allows her to hide this part of herself but find healing in being with the woman she loves.

Brendan Fraser delivers a standout performance in Rental Family, a film that was highly anticipated and ultimately delivers a moving message about the importance of human connection. It’s definitely worth seeing.

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2025-11-22 01:10