Overview
- Searchlight Pictures’ feature arrives in theaters on Nov. 21 following a September Toronto International Film Festival premiere.
- New promotional materials include an exclusive scene explaining the agency’s “we sell emotion” ethos and a behind‑the‑scenes video with the cast and crew.
- Fraser immersed himself in Tokyo and took Japanese classes for the role, with the film featuring him speaking the language on screen.
- Hikari says extensive research into rental‑family services shaped the story’s focus on human connection and culturally specific barriers to seeking help.
- Early critical response highlights Fraser’s warmth but questions the film’s sentimentality and depth, even as festival buzz notes audience appeal.