Rental Family

Director: Hikari

Rental Family
Japan-USA, 2025, 103’
Director: Hikari
Cast: Brendan Fraser (Phillip Vandarpleog), Takehiro Hira (Shinji), Mari Yamamoto (Aiko), Shannon Gorman (Mia Kawasaki), Akira Emoto (Kikuo Hasegawa)

The film is an emotionally charged drama with elements of black comedy, directed by Hikari, known for the series Beef. The plot follows the story of Philip Vandarpleog, an American actor living in Tokyo who starts working for a Japanese agency that hires families. This unique industry provides actors who play the roles of family members — spouses, parents or children — to fill emotional voids in the lives of clients. Initially sceptical about the ethics of such work, Philip gradually forms genuine connections with his clients, especially with young Mia, who hires him to play the role of her father. These brief but intense encounters blur the line between art and reality, raising questions about the authenticity of human relationships.