Brendan Fraser recently opened up during a Q&A after a screening of his new film “Rental Family” in London. He shared how making the movie has helped him confront his self-doubt. “I struggle with insecurity,” he said. “This film reminded me that I’m good enough.”
In 2023, Fraser won an Oscar for his role in “The Whale.” His insights came during an emotional discussion about “Rental Family,” which is set to be featured at major film festivals in Toronto, London, and Tokyo.
The film tells the story of Philip Vanderplug, portrayed by Fraser. He is an outsider in Tokyo, navigating Japan’s unique “rental family” industry. In this world, people hire actors to play the roles of family members or friends, highlighting modern isolation.
Director Hikari and co-writer Stephen Blahut stumbled upon this concept during the pandemic. Hikari, who is Japanese, had little knowledge of the rental family business until discovering an intriguing job listing. “I knew nothing about it,” she admitted. She noted how the pandemic emphasized our sense of distance. “It’s a way to explore connection—or the lack of it,” she said.
The film’s cast brings personal themes of loneliness and displacement to life. Takehiro Hira, who plays a workaholic, shared his own experience of being alone while studying abroad. “I spent many days, and Christmas nights, all by myself,” he recalled. “That scene made me cry.”
Mari Yamamoto related her character’s struggles to her childhood; she moved from Japan to the UK at five. “I thought I was British, but going back to Japan made me feel like an outsider,” she explained. This background helped her connect with her role as someone who finds meaning in the rental family industry.
Fraser also praised young co-star Shannon Gorman, saying, “She has an ability to express herself with an incredible emotional range.”
Legendary actor Akira Emoto plays a character grappling with mortality and memory loss. He believes loneliness can offer depth to life, stating, “It’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
The film faced challenges, taking five years to complete amid the pandemic and industry strikes before filming could begin in Tokyo.
Recent studies show that feelings of loneliness have surged among many during and after the pandemic. According to Cigna’s Loneliness Index, nearly 61% of adults reported feeling lonely, a sharp increase from previous years. This highlights the importance of stories like “Rental Family,” which resonate with many people’s experiences today.
Fraser’s journey and the teamwork behind “Rental Family” are a celebration of vulnerability and human connection in a world that often feels detached.
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Brendan Fraser,Rental Family,Takehiro Hira,Tokyo International Film Festival
