Brendan Fraser becomes a "rental relative" in "Rental Family" trailer

Contents:
The trailer promises us a wholesome family film with tearjerker moments.

After the triumph of "The Whale" (2022) and his well-deserved Oscar, Brendan Fraser is back in the spotlight. Here's what his new starring role is all about.

What the Film's About

Fraser's character is an American living in Tokyo. He makes his living as an actor, but not a very successful one. The peak of his career? Playing a toothpaste tube in commercials.
Brendan Fraser in a toothpaste tube costume flies through the sky
Frame from the "Rental Family" trailer
Source:
Financial troubles lead him to a company offering clients an unusual service. They can hire an actor to play a family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, best friend...

"We need that white guy," explains the head of "Rental Family" company. He offers the protagonist a chance to finally land a role that'll actually help other people.
Rental Family - Trailer
He's hired to play father to a girl named Mia. At first, the little girl hates her new "dad." But gradually they bond, and Fraser's character discovers Japanese culture in all its depth, seemingly forgetting he's just playing a role.

What to Expect

The film is directed by Kiyoka Miyazaki, a Japanese filmmaker who previously made the drama "37 Seconds," which became an audience favorite at the 2019 Berlin Film Festival. She's also worked on acclaimed series "The Bite" for Netflix and "Tokyo Vice" for HBO.
Brendan Fraser rides with a girl on the Tokyo subway
Frame from "Rental Family"
Source:
As The Hollywood Reporter notes, critics have repeatedly praised her skillful blending of opposing genres: drama, comedy, thriller. So this film definitely won't be boring or clichéd.

This is Fraser's first starring role since his Oscar win in 2023. It seems that having gotten a second chance, the actor is being careful about his role choices, avoiding mediocre scripts.
"Rental Family" is set to premiere November 21, 2025.
Zoomboola.com recommends watching if you:
  • appreciate quality dramedies about human relationships,
  • follow Brendan Fraser's work,
  • are interested in Japanese culture.