A Moving Story About Belonging Arrives on Streaming
Get ready for a powerful and heartfelt cinematic experience as Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family begins streaming on Hulu on Disney+ starting March 18. Set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Tokyo, the film offers an emotional and thought-provoking look at loneliness, connection, and the surprising ways people find family.
Headlined by Academy Award®–winning actor Brendan Fraser, Rental Family tells a deeply moving story that resonates across cultures and generations. With its mix of quiet humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances, the film has already earned glowing praise from critics and audiences worldwide.
Brendan Fraser Leads a Powerful Story of Empathy
In Rental Family, Fraser portrays a once-promising American actor who feels increasingly adrift in Tokyo. Struggling to rediscover purpose, he unexpectedly lands a unique job with a Japanese “rental family” agency—an unusual service that provides actors to play temporary family roles for people seeking companionship and emotional support.
What begins as simple performance gradually transforms into something far more meaningful. As he steps into the lives of strangers, the actor forms genuine bonds that challenge the boundaries between scripted roles and real-life emotions.
Moments of humor and tenderness unfold along the way. Soon, empathy and compassion take center stage, pulling him off-script and guiding him toward a renewed sense of belonging.
Festival Favorite with Acclaimed Reviews
Even before its streaming debut, Rental Family had already captured strong momentum on the international festival circuit.
Following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film won numerous audience awards at several prominent festivals, including:
- Chicago International Film Festival
- Woodstock Film Festival
- Middleburg Film Festival
- Hawaii International Film Festival
- Heartland International Film Festival
Critics have praised the film’s universal themes and emotional impact. Clayton Davis of Variety called it “universally resonant,” while Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as “poignant and humorous.”
The film also holds impressive ratings online, earning a 96% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes® and an 88% Certified Fresh Tomatometer rating from critics.
A Talented International Cast
Alongside Brendan Fraser, the film features a remarkable ensemble cast that brings warmth and authenticity to the story.
The cast includes:
- Takehiro Hira, Emmy® nominee known for his commanding performances
- Mari Yamamoto, delivering a nuanced and emotionally rich role
- Shannon Mahina Gorman, a standout newcomer who earned a Critics Choice Association (CCA) Award nominationfor her performance
- Akira Emoto, the celebrated Japanese actor whose presence adds depth and gravitas
Together, the cast creates a compelling portrait of individuals searching for connection in unexpected places.
Visionary Filmmaking Behind the Story
Rental Family is directed, co-written, and produced by HIKARI, whose storytelling style blends emotional intimacy with cultural insight. The screenplay was written by HIKARI and Stephen Blahut, crafting a narrative that is both reflective and uplifting.
The film is produced by:
- Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev of Sight Unseen Pictures
- Shin Yamaguchi of Knockonwood
Their collaboration results in a beautifully crafted film that celebrates human empathy and the power of shared experiences.
Film Synopsis
Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, portraying stand-in roles for strangers.
As he immerses himself in his clients’ lives, unexpected emotional connections begin to form. The boundaries between acting and authenticity blur, prompting him to confront the moral complexities of his work.
Along the way, he rediscovers something he thought he had lost: purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of genuine human connection.
