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Rental Family Opens in German Cinemas as Brendan Fraser Leads Tokyo-Set Tragicomedy

Critics highlight his gentle, empathetic turn within Hikari’s restrained look at paid closeness.

Overview

  • The JP/USA 2025 feature from director Hikari (Mitsuyo Miyazaki) runs 103 minutes and begins its German theatrical release on 8 January 2026, starring Brendan Fraser with Takehiro Hira and Akira Emoto.
  • Set around a Tokyo agency that supplies stand‑in relatives and friends for real‑life occasions, the film explores how companionship can be purchased to fill social gaps.
  • Fraser’s character takes assignments that include a staged funeral, posing as a groom at a sham wedding, interviewing an aging film legend, and serving as a temporary father figure.
  • Reviewers widely praise Fraser’s warmth and presence, noting the movie’s impact relies strongly on his empathetic performance.
  • Critiques describe Hikari’s approach as observational and cautious, saying the film raises ethical questions about commodified intimacy but avoids overt conflict.