There’s something inherently fascinating about the premise of Rental Family. It follows an American actor, adrift in Tokyo, makes a living by pretending to be someone’s father, friend, or relative. It’s odd but surprisingly human. Writer-director Hikari makes this premise more than just a gimmick and a more beautiful approach of connection, family, and love.

Rental Family follows Phillip Vanderploeg, an American actor who’s been in Japan longer than planned. Despite making good money off some Japanese commercials, he yearns for more and out of desperation, he takes a job at a rental family agency. Clients pay Philip to fill gaps in their lives and its a concept that’s rooted in realism and emotion. It’s the beating heart of this movie and Brendan Fraser is the perfect man to lead this.

Fraser deliver’s his most warm and vulnerable role in ages that could have easily been very surface level. We see how Philip’s job affects that could have easily become overly whimsical or lightweight. As Phillip moves from one assignment to the next from a grieving friend or surrogate companion to a girl’s pretend father — Fraser navigates emotional shifts with a sensitivity that keeps the character grounded. His portrayal is neither flashy nor cliched; instead, it’s rooted in small gestures, haunted expressions, and a palpable quest for meaning in what feels like a performance‑driven life.

The supporting cast is strong, particularly Shannon Mahina Gorman, who gives the role of Mia so much life and meaning to Philip. Her chemistry with Fraser is another engine to this movie and particularly on the emotional side. Their dynamic propels this movie to a new level and keeps you glued to the screen from start to finish. Overall, Hikari and her team assembled a strong cast.

Rental Family also finds a solid balance in the tonal aspects of the film. It manages to balance the gentle, feel-good aspects of the movie with powerful, emotional moments that really make you feel all the feels. Philip’s bond’s with his clients become more than just a job at some point and feel like real, human connections. Hikari shows all sides of this through the script’s tonal shifts and it’s truly powerful to see unfold. A few particular moments land with genuine force, and each moment feels truly earned. Rental Family aims to be both a profound exploration of connection and a light, cozy crowd‑pleaser, perfectly aligning on all fronts.

Rental Family is exactly the kind of movie you’d expect to see at TIFF. It’s a typical crowd-pleasing, award-bait movie that’s meant to make you cry and yet, I don’t mind that at all. This movie works on every front and thankfully plays into its strengths. This should be an easy People’s Choice frontrunner.