Spoiler Warning
In “Rental Family,” when struggling American actor Phillip Vandarploeug — played by Brendan Fraser — lands a job acting as a stand-in family member or friend in a client’s life, he begins to grow intimate bonds that blur the lines between acting and genuine care.
Cinematographer Takuro Ishizaka effectively establishes Vandarploeug’s life and who is in it, or lack thereof, through lighting and blocking. As Vandarploeug looks out his window, he can briefly see into the lives of the people across the street. He observes bright lights in each apartment, as well as families bonding, laughing, and sharing memories. However, when the camera pans back to Vandarploeug and zooms out, his blinds are the only ones open on the street. One can see light coming from the other apartments, but not who is in them. Closed-off windows surround Vandarploeug. He cannot see in, nor does he experience what they are taking part in. He is utterly alone.
Director Hikari pivots from stereotypical ideas of Japan. Thinking of Japan may invoke images of loud bustling streets and bright neon lights adorning buildings. He does not display this stereotypical image, but the tranquility and natural brightness of Japan. The majority of the movie is shot during daylight, using transition scenes of Japanese nature to advance the story.
The narrative excels at portraying this morally dubious job of performing to trick one’s family or friends, exhibiting both the favorable and unsavory facets of the company. Additionally, the tale wonderfully conveys the characters’ interpersonal relationships. Hikari builds emotional attachment in the audience before the story strips those bonds away, akin to the painstaking losses that Vandarploeug experiences in his job. Everyone in the cast does a phenomenal job portraying the characters, both through the verbal execution of their lines and the silent expressions, especially Shannon Gorman in her role as Mia Kawasaki. She is so young, yet her portrayal of her character was so powerful and tormenting to watch. A very talented cast with incredible skill makes the audience erupt into laughter and tears of sorrow.
“Rental Family” is a sentimental and contemplative film. It tackles the questionable aspects of this unusual job and results in a story of heartache and growth. The heart-wrecking film will leave viewers satisfied. Make sure to bring tissues.
