Brendan Fraser delivers a powerful performance in ‘Rental Family’

GET ready for a powerful and heartfelt cinematic experience as Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family begins streaming on Hulu on Disney+ starting March 18.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Tokyo, the film offers an emotional and thought-provoking look at loneliness, connection, and the surprising ways people find family.
Headlined by Academy Award®–winning actor Brendan Fraser, Rental Family tells a deeply moving story that resonates across cultures and generations. With its mix of quiet humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances, the film has already earned glowing praise from critics and audiences worldwide.
In Rental Family, Fraser portrays a once-promising American actor who feels increasingly adrift in Tokyo. Struggling to rediscover purpose, he unexpectedly lands a unique job with a Japanese “rental family” agency—an unusual service that provides actors to play temporary family roles for people seeking companionship and emotional support.

What begins as simple performance gradually transforms into something far more meaningful. As he steps into the lives of strangers, the actor forms genuine bonds that challenge the boundaries between scripted roles and real-life emotions.

Moments of humor and tenderness unfold along the way. Soon, empathy and compassion take center stage, pulling him off-script and guiding him toward a renewed sense of belonging.

Alongside Brendan Fraser, the film features a remarkable ensemble cast that brings warmth and authenticity to the story.

The cast includes:

Takehiro Hira, Emmy® nominee known for his commanding performances
Mari Yamamoto, delivering a nuanced and emotionally rich role
Shannon Mahina Gorman, a standout newcomer who earned a Critics Choice Association (CCA) Award nominationfor her performance
Akira Emoto, the celebrated Japanese actor whose presence adds depth and gravitas
Together, the cast creates a compelling portrait of individuals searching for connection in unexpected places.

Rental Family is directed, co-written, and produced by HIKARI, whose storytelling style blends emotional intimacy with cultural insight. The screenplay was written by HIKARI and Stephen Blahut, crafting a narrative that is both reflective and uplifting.

Even before its streaming debut, Rental Family had already captured strong momentum on the international festival circuit.

Following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film won numerous audience awards at several prominent festivals, including: Chicago International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Middleburg Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival and Heartland International Film Festival.

The film also holds impressive ratings online, earning a 96% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes® and an 88% Certified Fresh Tomatometer rating from critics.

(ROHN ROMULO)