Brendan Fraser’s 2025 Drama Set In Japan Is An Underrated Family Movie

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I really enjoy discovering great movies from past years during awards season. Because everyone is talking about the previous year’s films, it’s a perfect time to revisit overlooked gems. By the time the 2026 Oscar nominations came out, I had already watched about half of the lesser-known films on my list.

Despite some low scores on Rotten Tomatoes, 2025 actually had a lot of excellent movies that didn’t get the attention they deserved. It’s surprising to see how many well-known actors starred in films that were overlooked, especially considering 2025 turned out to be a fantastic year for cinema.

People weren’t really discussing how much Benedict Cumberbatch worked last year, even though he was in three films. It’s also surprising that Brendan Fraser’s latest movie didn’t get much attention, especially considering his recent Oscar win and successful return to acting.

Brendan Fraser Plays A Struggling Actor In Rental Family

In Hikari’s film, Rental Family, Brendan Fraser plays an actor in Tokyo who’s having a hard time finding good work. He mostly gets small commercial roles that don’t pay much. When he takes on a unique job, he starts to feel more fulfilled, which ultimately gives him a new perspective on his life and career.

We don’t learn much about Fraser’s character, Phillip Vanderploeg’s, past, except that he’s famous for an old commercial he’s a little ashamed of. So, when he realizes people will pay him to act like a relative they’ve lost or never known, it seems strange at first, but he eventually finds it fulfilling.

The movie primarily tells the story from Phillip’s point of view, with other characters playing supporting roles. Critics have rightly praised Fraser’s subtle, graceful, and heartfelt performance, which is the emotional core of the film and draws viewers into Phillip’s complicated but ultimately hopeful experience.

Rental Family Takes A Sympathetic Look At Loneliness

Phillip’s job with Rental Family is unique: he acts as a family member or friend for people in their everyday lives, without any scripts, sets, or cameras. He’s hired by individuals who are feeling profoundly lonely. This service addresses a recognized issue in Japan, where loneliness is common, and Rental Family approaches it with sensitivity.

Rather than making fun of people who hire actors to play the role of family or friends, the film looks at how much joy these ‘rental’ relationships can bring. Brendan Fraser and Takehiro Hira have both mentioned that Rental Family tackles the growing problem of loneliness around the world with kindness, offering viewers empathy and a comforting feeling.

Rental Family Explores A Wide Variety Of Social Dynamics

Phillip takes on many different roles for his clients, but the film mainly focuses on two significant assignments. He once pretends to be a journalist writing about an aging actor, a request from the actor’s daughter who wants to boost his spirits. However, his most challenging job involves posing as the long-lost father of a young girl to help her get into school.

What I really appreciated about this film is that it smartly avoids boxing its protagonist into just one type of client interaction. Instead, it showcases the actor’s versatility and, more importantly, the sheer diversity of people who use this particular service. This approach gives the film’s exploration of loneliness a much broader, more relatable feel. We also get glimpses into what Phillip’s colleagues are up to, and their client base is just as varied, reinforcing that feeling of universality. It’s not just about one man’s loneliness; it’s about a shared human experience.

Rental Family Is Perfect For Watching As A Family

As the title suggests, Rental Family is a heartwarming film about the universal desire for connection and belonging. It quickly became a standout at TIFF 2025, captivating audiences with its blend of cozy warmth and honest portrayal of life’s difficulties, all while thoughtfully examining how fleeting human relationships can be.

With a heartwarming take on a challenging topic, Rental Family genuinely explores what it means to be human, highlighting the importance of family – whether by blood or by choice. This makes it a great movie for families to watch together, as the language remains respectful even during its most dramatic scenes. Ultimately, it’s a film that leaves you feeling cared for.

The Performances In Rental Family Deserve Praise

The movie Rental Family beautifully portrays a world grappling with loneliness, where people are disconnected but still yearn for connection, peace, and happiness – even if they have to find it in unusual ways. But what truly resonates with viewers are the heartfelt performances from the actors.

Brendan Fraser was initially considered a strong contender for an Oscar, but his campaign lost momentum. While Fraser is excellent, Akira Emoto delivers an even more compelling performance in Rental Family as an elderly actor facing memory loss. The film’s subtle and skillful acting, overall, deserves greater attention.

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2026-02-10 02:35