Brendan Fraser’s Career Renaissance: How 'Rental Family' Became His Unexpected Next Chapter
After the emotional powerhouse that was The Whale, Brendan Fraser found himself at a career crossroads. But then came Rental Family, a film that has not only captivated audiences but also solidified Fraser’s return to the spotlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could this heartwarming drama, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was hailed as one of the National Board of Review’s top films, redefine how we think about family and connection? Let’s dive in.
Rental Family follows Fraser as an American actor living in Japan who takes a job at a rental family agency, helping clients navigate their personal struggles while offering companionship. Fraser himself admits, ‘I haven’t met or heard anyone who has been disappointed. Everyone seems to come away with something that has affected them in a way they were not anticipating.’ And this is the part most people miss: the film’s ability to subvert expectations, taking viewers on an emotional journey they didn’t see coming.
Director and co-writer Hikari, who first learned about rental family businesses in 2018, shares Fraser’s enthusiasm. ‘People think the story is going to go one way, and it takes them through a completely different journey emotionally,’ she explains. For Fraser, the project arrived at the perfect moment—mid-promotion for The Whale and technically unemployed. Hikari recalls, ‘When I saw his Oscar-winning performance, I thought, ‘Wow, this man has such depth and he’s not afraid to be vulnerable.’ It was so clear to me—Brendan was my star.’
Their first meeting? ‘Lengthy,’ Fraser jokes. Hikari adds, ‘I was so nervous! I wanted him to get to know me as a person, not just the director. If he didn’t like me, there’s no making the movie.’ Fraser, meanwhile, was drawn to the film’s authenticity. ‘You had me at the title: What is a rental family?’ he says. ‘I was delighted by the complex relationships and how it avoided sentimentality. It felt real.’
Here’s where opinions might differ: Fraser’s approach to his character, Phillip, was refreshingly organic. ‘I didn’t come up with a character per se,’ he reveals. ‘I just knew I’d go to Tokyo and do my best to play the scenes authentically.’ Hikari praises this approach: ‘He came in so open, and it worked perfectly.’
Learning Japanese for the role was another highlight for Fraser. ‘I love its directness,’ he says. ‘It says more with less.’ Hikari adds, ‘He really nailed it, especially in how Phillip wants to belong in Japan—not as the ‘big American,’ but as someone who fits in.’
Reflecting on his recent roles, Fraser admits, ‘I wanted to surprise people. I like the idea of challenging preconceived notions.’ As for promoting Rental Family, he’s relishing the ride. ‘It’s disarming,’ he says. ‘It knocks the armor off of people’s desire to protect themselves.’
Now, here’s the question for you: Does Rental Family challenge your own ideas about connection and family? Or is it just another feel-good film? Let’s debate in the comments—don’t hold back!
