Rental Family

By Joanna Langfield

With its not so sly nod to the loneliness epidemic, Brendan Fraser’s sweet crowd pleaser packs an unexpected, poignant punch.

Fraser is quietly compelling as an American actor, just about washed up, looking to reinvent himself by moving to Tokyo. The only gig he can secure is working for a company that supplies people to other people. No, it’s not that. He slips into characters, showing up as somebody’s friend, interviewer or relative. Thinking this role play will satisfy his professional and economic needs, the actor is more than surprised when he, along with some of his clients, becomes emotionally entangled, making him question the boundaries of what he’s up to as well as the actual realities of personal relationships.

Filmmaker HIKARI wraps the heavier elements of all this in a lovely package of gorgeous scenery, peeks into cultural norms, and fine performances. The predominantly Asian cast delights and makes Fraser’s job, as the unwitting cog in this strange wheel, even more interesting. But its Fraser who makes it all more profound, allowing a wounded, protected man to peel away his collected layers, which makes not just his on screen clients, but us, too, discover the vulnerable charm that not just pulls us in, but wins us over.