CHICAGO (WLS) — The much-anticipated film “Rental Family” has hit theaters, garnering enthusiastic reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Featuring Brendan Fraser in the lead role, the movie follows an out-of-work American actor navigating the challenges of the Japanese entertainment industry. In his quest for employment, he stumbles upon a unique opportunity—posing as a family member for strangers seeking companionship.
The film, penned and directed by Hikari, draws inspiration from a real-life service that fosters personal connections by allowing people to ‘rent’ the presence of a loved one.
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Fraser’s character, Phillip, accepts any role to continue pursuing his passion for acting. When he signs up with the ‘Rental Family’ service, his initial performance evolves into genuine relationships as he engages with clients on a deeper level.
“He encounters remarkable individuals he would never have met otherwise,” Hikari shared with ABC7. “These interactions evolve from professional encounters to meaningful connections that touch his life.”
Hikari, who relocated to the U.S. during her teenage years, brings a unique perspective to the film, enriching its narrative depth.
“I think the just from my experience being an exchange student in Utah, being the only Asian girl, the people I surround myself with became my best friends or my family… the chosen family,” Hikari said. “In America, the therapy and therapists are much more accessible. But countries like Japan or some parts of Asia, it’s not as easy. Some of them in our culture are a bit stigmatized. So if you have a mental illness, basically these companies, what they’re providing is a service to talk and be there for them.”
Hikari discussed why they think Americans are so fascinated with Japanese culture.
“Japanese culture is very about harmony, right? Where as in America it is how to become individual in the how to voice your opinion. Which is the the reason why I moved to America, I need to voice my opinion,” Hikari said. “And also, Tokyo is kind of a crazy city, too. It just there’s a lot of animation that pop culture, fashion, hair everything is happening in one this like a giant place.”
Hikari spoke about the heart of the new movie.
“None of us have a perfect family, right? But then the families are who you surround yourself, found family,” Hikari said. “Let’s appreciate what you have instead of what you don’t have -you still can show the appreciation, because that love will come back to you.”
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