Brendan Fraser‘s new movie, Rental Family, is earning stellar reviews and boasting an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is a poignant comedy-drama that explores loneliness and human connection through a unique Japanese service.
Rental Family reviews are highly positive
Rental Family is gaining praise for its theme and concept. Directed by Hikari, the film stars Oscar-winning Brendan Fraser as Phillip, an American actor in Tokyo whose career is floundering. His life takes an unexpected turn when his agent lands him a job as a “sad American” guest at a funeral. This peculiar gig leads him to a Rental Family company, a real-world service in Japan that provides actors to stand in as family members or friends for clients in need.
Reviewers are highlighting the film’s profound empathy and Fraser’s powerful performance.
Charles Koplinski of Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam noted, “The success of the movie relies heavily on the inherent appeal of its lead. Likable and vulnerable, Fraser is the perfect choice for Phillip, the actor’s unassuming nature complementing his character’s easy-going demeanor.”
Serena Seghedoni from Loud and Clear Reviews stated, “Hikari’s Rental Family is an ode to all the people out there who are lonely, grieving and in pain, a lesson on how healing comes from within, and a reminder that we are alive. It’s irresistibly human, and it’s the best film of the year.”
Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph (UK) wrote, “It might not sound like much of a compliment, but Brendan Fraser is extraordinarily convincing as a marginally talented actor a few years past his sell-by date.”
Meanwhile, some critics offered mixed reactions. Adam Nayman from Toronto Star noted, “What’s gruelling, then, is the way Hikari — a talented visual stylist with an eye for urban landscapes — belabours the various plot points. It’s as if she’s worried that if she doesn’t hold our hand at every turn, we’ll get lost.”
Tim Grierson from AV Club added, “Fraser walks through this aggressively sappy drama with the aura of simple goodness that has served him well. But such concentrated radiance starts to feel like a denial of the painful reality Rental Family ignores.”
Rental Family gets high Rotten Tomatoes score
As of writing, Rental Family has scored a stellar 91% on Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer.
Director Hikari’s sophisticated handling of this unusual story is drawing comparisons to films like Lost in Translation, though from a distinctly Japanese perspective. Further, Fraser is said to have brought his own blend of playfulness and gravitas to the role of Philip.
Rental Family is releasing in theaters on November 21, 2025.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
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