Brendan Fraser’s New Comedy Rental Family Brings Real Japanese “Connection Services” to the Big Screen
“Rental Family” has opened in theaters to strong reviews, introducing audiences to a story built around a real Japanese service that hires people to act as friends or relatives. The film is written and directed by Hikari, who confirmed that the premise is inspired by companies in Japan that help people find human connection by renting performers to fill emotional or social roles.
The movie stars Brendan Fraser as Phillip, an American actor in Japan desperate for work. He takes on jobs where he must “pretend” to be a loved one for strangers, turning simple acting gigs into meaningful moments with the people he meets.
Fraser’s character accepts any role he can get because he simply wants to keep acting. When he joins a “Rental Family” service, he dives into each character fully, but eventually finds himself forming genuine bonds with the clients he’s supposed to be performing for.
Hikari explained that Phillip encounters people he never expected to meet and develops unique relationships with both coworkers and clients. She highlighted that these interactions push the character beyond just acting into something more human and emotionally layered.
The filmmaker shared her own connection to the story, noting her experience moving to the United States as a teenager. She described being an exchange student in Utah and often the only Asian girl in her environment, which made her rely on the people around her as a chosen family.
Hikari pointed out that access to mental health professionals in the U.S. is comparatively easier than in countries like Japan or other parts of Asia. She said that therapy can still be stigmatized in certain cultures, making services that offer companionship or conversation an important alternative for people dealing with loneliness or emotional struggles.
For readers interested in understanding these real-life services, you can explore more about similar agencies in Japan through resources like this overview of social companionship services on BBC. These companies often help people facing isolation, social anxiety, or family-related pressures.
Hikari also spoke about why she thinks Americans remain fascinated with Japanese culture. She believes Japanese society emphasizes harmony, while American culture encourages individuality and speaking up, something she personally sought when she moved to the U.S.
She added that Tokyo’s lively mix of animation, fashion, pop culture, and fast-paced city energy makes it feel like everything is happening in one vibrant and chaotic place.
Discussing the heart of the movie, Hikari said that no one has a perfect family, but people still create families from the communities around them. She emphasized appreciating the connections you do have, because expressing genuine appreciation allows that love to come back to you.
For more on the film and its release, you can visit Searchlight Pictures, which is owned by Disney, the parent company of the news outlet that interviewed Hikari. The movie is currently playing in theaters and continues earning attention for its thoughtful look at loneliness, culture, and the simple but powerful need for human connection.
