Mon Jan 19 06:10:00 UTC 2026: ### “Rental Family” Film Draws Criticism for Tone-Deaf Portrayal of Complex Subject Matter

The Story:

A new film, “Rental Family,” directed by Japanese actor turned director Hikari, is facing harsh criticism for its handling of the sensitive subject of Japan’s “rent-a-family” industry. The film stars Brendan Fraser as Phillip, a Tokyo-based American actor who finds work with a company offering therapeutic role-play services. Critics are panning the film as “glib, silly and pointless,” citing its saccharine sentimentality, implausibility, and failure to grapple with the ethical complexities inherent in the industry. The reviewer contrasts Hikari’s film with Werner Herzog’s “2019” “Family Romance, LLC” and Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Alps,” both of which, despite their own uncertainties, attempted to acknowledge the potential for irresponsibility and harm within the “rent-a-family” concept.

Key Points:

  • Brendan Fraser stars as Phillip, an unemployed American actor in Tokyo who takes a job with a “rental family” service.
  • The film explores various scenarios where Phillip plays different roles, including a father figure for a school interview and a mock son for an elderly actor.
  • The reviewer criticizes the film’s “feelgood slush” tone and its simplistic portrayal of complex ethical issues.
  • The review highlights the film’s failure to address the potential harm caused by the deceptive nature of the role-playing services, particularly to the characters involved.
  • The film is currently in Australian cinemas and will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from January 16.

Key Takeaways:

  • The film’s critical reception highlights the difficulty of portraying sensitive and ethically complex social phenomena in a lighthearted or comedic manner.
  • The comparison to previous films on similar themes underscores the importance of acknowledging the potential for harm and exploitation within the “rent-a-family” industry.
  • The negative review raises questions about the director’s understanding of the industry’s nuances and its potential impact on individuals.
  • The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing sentimentality over responsible storytelling.
  • The review suggests that audiences may be seeking more nuanced and critical portrayals of complex social issues, rather than simplistic “feelgood” narratives.

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