Tokyo’s neon glow bleeds into a rainy night as Phillip Vandarpleog, a struggling American actor, stares blankly at a casting call rejection. Purpose feels as distant as home, until a peculiar opportunity arises: a “rental family” agency. His first assignment throws him into the life of Shinji, a lonely businessman craving a connection with his estranged daughter, Mia Kawasaki. As Phillip awkwardly attempts to fill the role of a loving uncle, he meets Aiko, the agency’s pragmatic coordinator, who guides him through the intricacies of manufactured emotions. With each new role – a grieving son, a supportive husband – Phillip finds himself blurring the lines between performance and reality, discovering the profound human need for belonging, even if it’s rented. But when Kikuo Hasegawa, a stoic client, hires Phillip for a deeply personal and ethically questionable scenario, he must confront the true cost of playing pretend.

Rental Family Movie Overview
| Title | Rental Family |
|---|---|
| Release Status | Released |
| Release Date | 2025-11-20 |
| Runtime | 1 hours and 50 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| Original Language | En |
| Spoken Language | English, Japanese |
| Country | United States of America |
| Production Co. | Searchlight Pictures, Sight Unseen Pictures, Domo Arigato Productions |
Rental Family Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Brendan Fraser | Phillip Vandarpleog |
| Takehiro Hira | Shinji |
| Mari Yamamoto | Aiko |
| Shannon Mahina Gorman | Mia Kawasaki |
| Akira Emoto | Kikuo Hasegawa |
| Paolo Andrea Di Pietro | Handsome Actor |
| Shinji Ozeki | Casting Director |
| Yuji Komatsu | Neighbor Father |
| Ryoko Osada | Neighbor Wife |
| Gan Furukawa | Neighbor Old Man |
| Risa Kameda | Neighbor Girlfriend |
| Kana Kitty | Neighbor Business Woman |
| Yuma Sonan | Neighbor Boyfriend |
| Shino Shinozaki | Mia’s Mother |
| Shohei Uno | Mr. Daitoh |
| Nanami Kawakami | Jun |
| Helen Sadler | Sonia |
| Bun Kimura | Kota Nakano |
| Misato Morita | Yoshie Ikeda |
| Kenta Kobashi | Video Game Character (uncredited) |
Rental Family Movie Storyline
Phillip Vandarpleog, a down-on-his-luck American actor adrift in the neon-lit labyrinth of Tokyo, stumbles upon an advertisement for a “rental family” agency, a peculiar service offering actors to fill in for missing relatives, friends, or even spouses. Initially skeptical, Phillip, desperate for income and a sense of belonging, joins the agency and is soon immersed in the lives of various clients. He plays the role of a supportive husband to Aiko, a hardworking woman burdened by societal expectations, a confidant to Shinji, an elderly man yearning for connection after the loss of his wife, and even a father figure to Mia Kawasaki, a troubled teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence. As Phillip meticulously crafts his performances, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the genuine emotions and vulnerabilities of his clients. He begins to question the nature of authenticity and the fine line between acting and reality, especially when his relationships with Aiko and Mia deepen beyond the confines of his roles. However, his charade is threatened when Kikuo Hasegawa, a skeptical and perceptive client, suspects Phillip’s true identity, forcing him to confront the ethical implications of his work and the potential consequences of blurring the lines between performance and genuine connection. Phillip must decide whether to continue his act or reveal the truth, risking the bonds he has formed and potentially losing the very purpose he was searching for, ultimately grappling with the profound question of what it truly means to be family.
Rental Family Movie Details
In the heartwarming dramedy, *Rental Family*, Brendan Fraser delivers a poignant performance as Phillip Vandarpleog, an American actor adrift in the neon-lit metropolis of Tokyo. Struggling to find his footing, Phillip stumbles upon an unconventional opportunity: working for a ‘rental family’ agency. He’s hired to play stand-in roles for various clients, stepping into their lives as a temporary husband, father, or friend. As Phillip immerses himself in these fabricated scenarios, the line between performance and genuine connection begins to blur. He finds himself drawn to the warmth and vulnerability of the people he encounters, including Aiko, portrayed by Mari Yamamoto, a woman seeking a companion to navigate a difficult family situation. Takehiro Hira embodies Shinji, the stoic head of the rental agency who guides Phillip through the cultural nuances of his new profession. Through his roles, Phillip unexpectedly begins to forge real bonds, offering solace and support to those in need, and discovering a sense of purpose he never anticipated. Among his clients is Kikuo Hasegawa, brought to life by Akira Emoto. a lonely widower longing for companionship. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and the universal human need for connection, showcasing how even manufactured relationships can have a profound impact on our lives. *Rental Family* is a touching exploration of the meaning of family, the power of empathy, and the search for belonging in an increasingly disconnected world.
Rental Family Movie Poster Images




Rental Family Movie Trailers
Now Playing in Theaters Everywhere
Many Sides to One Man
Rental Family Movie FAQs
<b>What is the movie Rental Family about?
Rental Family tells the story of an American actor in Tokyo who finds purpose working for a Japanese ‘rental family’ agency. He plays various stand-in roles for strangers, forming genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality.
Who are the main actors in Rental Family?
The main actors in Rental Family include Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, and Mari Yamamoto.
What genres does Rental Family belong to?
Rental Family is a drama and comedy movie.
When was Rental Family released?
Rental Family was released on November 20, 2025.
Where can I watch Rental Family?
The provided details do not specify on which OTT platforms Rental Family is available. Please check local listings and streaming services for availability.
What is the tagline for Rental Family?
The tagline for Rental Family is “Happiness tailored to you!”
Who directed Rental Family?
HIKARI directed Rental Family.
What is the runtime of Rental Family?
The runtime of Rental Family is 110 minutes.
Is Rental Family an adult movie?
No, Rental Family is not classified as an adult movie.
What languages are spoken in Rental Family?
The languages spoken in Rental Family are English and Japanese.