Filmmaker Hikari Breaks Down Uplifting Ending of Brendan Fraser’s ‘Rental Family’ [Exclusive]

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After Brendan Fraser’s successful return to acting and Oscar nomination for The Whale, everyone wondered what he’d do next. He chose Rental Family, a film about an American actor named Phillip (Fraser) who lives in Japan and works for an agency, pretending to be someone else for clients. As Phillip takes on these roles, he unexpectedly develops real connections with the people he’s hired to portray, leading to a touching and complex story.

MovieWeb interviewed Hikari, the writer and director of Rental Family, about the film’s underlying messages. They asked if the ending suggested that even relationships beginning as pretense could become real. Hikari explained that Fraser’s performance as Phillip – and Phillip’s willingness to accept a culture new to him – is key to understanding this.

You know, watching this character, Philip, it’s fascinating. He finds real connection with people, and it’s how he builds a life, even though he’s mostly been on his own. He never really settles down – he gets married, then doesn’t, never has kids, then suddenly he does, and really embraces being a father. It’s like he’s constantly evolving, never stopping, always moving forward. And honestly, that’s what draws me in. As an outsider looking in, I’m really trying to understand his journey, to learn from it.

Hikari Wants Brendan Fraser’s Character in ‘Rental Family’ to be the Audience’s Viewpoint


Searchlight Pictures

At first, Phillip doesn’t want to work at the agency, but he gradually becomes involved in the lives of the people he meets. Even though he faces some emotional challenges as he stops pretending, he ultimately forms real friendships and connections. The film’s emotional core is driven by Fraser’s incredible performance, as his character trusts his gut and helps former clients find peace. Hikari hopes audiences will relate to Fraser’s character and his desire to connect with others.

He’s a very eager learner and isn’t afraid to try new things. He’s dedicated to giving clients exactly what they need, and that dedication has built him a strong support network while also inspiring others, like Takehiro Hira’s character, Shinji Tada. We hope viewers will connect with Philip, empathize with his journey, and see their own potential reflected in his experiences.

Critics are loving Rental Family, giving it an 87% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, continuing Brendan Fraser’s winning streak after The Whale. What’s particularly noteworthy is how different this new role is from his character in The Whale – instead of being isolated, Fraser plays someone who actively seeks connection and builds relationships.

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2025-11-24 14:47