Searchlight Pictures brings the drama film Rental Family to streaming audiences in the Philippines starting March 18, when it begins streaming on Hulu on Disney+.
Set in modern-day Tokyo, the film follows an American actor navigating personal and professional uncertainty after relocating to Japan. An unexpected opportunity at a “rental family” agency introduces him to a world where people hire stand-in relatives to provide companionship, emotional support, or help fulfill social expectations.
The film stars Brendan Fraser, whose character gradually forms real emotional connections with clients while performing these surrogate roles.
A Story About Identity, Belonging, and Human Connection
Rental Family explores themes of loneliness, belonging, and empathy through a unique premise rooted in Japan’s real-life rental family services, where individuals can hire actors to play relatives, friends, or partners.
In the film, Fraser portrays a once-promising actor who begins working for one such agency. What initially feels like another acting job soon evolves into something more meaningful as he becomes emotionally involved in the lives of his clients.
As the boundaries between performance and authenticity blur, the character confronts questions about identity, responsibility, and the emotional complexities of forming temporary relationships.
Directed by HIKARI with an International Cast
The film is directed, co-written, and produced by HIKARI, who developed the screenplay alongside Stephen Blahut.
Alongside Fraser, the film’s cast includes Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto.
Production is handled by Sight Unseen Pictures’ Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev, together with Knockonwood’s Shin Yamaguchi.
Festival Success and Critical Reception
Rental Family premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it began a strong run across international film festivals.
The film later received audience awards at several festivals, including the Chicago International Film Festival and the Woodstock Film Festival. It also received recognitions at the Middleburg Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival, and Heartland International Film Festival.
Critics have responded positively to the film’s emotional storytelling. Rental Family currently holds an 88% Certified Fresh critic rating and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Rental Family Stands Out
Rental Family joins a growing list of character-driven dramas exploring themes of isolation and connection in modern society.
By combining an unconventional premise with a deeply personal character journey, the film highlights how relationships—whether temporary or genuine—can shape people’s sense of belonging.
Fraser’s performance anchors the story, portraying a character navigating cultural displacement, personal redemption, and the emotional weight of performing intimacy for strangers.
Streaming Availability
Rental Family begins streaming in the Philippines on March 18 via Hulu on Disney+, expanding the platform’s catalog of international films and award-winning festival releases.
For audiences interested in character-driven dramas with cross-cultural themes, the film offers a reflective look at connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
