Brendan Fraser’s new film Rental Family explores the deep and often uncomfortable feeling of loneliness, a theme that resonates with the actor personally. In this unique role, Fraser portrays Phillip, an American actor who, after fleeting fame from a big commercial, is struggling to make ends meet in Japan.
Phillip accepts a job with a Rental Family agency, a business that hires actors to play roles in people’s real lives. Through these roles, he explores human connection and confronts his own loneliness.
A Role That Hits Close to Home:
Fraser shared that his character’s struggles with isolation mirror his own experiences, emphasizing the universal desire for belonging. “We all feel like we want to belong,” Fraser reflected. The film’s premise is based on real-world Rental Family services in Japan, where people hire actors for various roles—such as a journalist for an aging star or a substitute father.
Fraser believes this bizarre concept brings to light the deeper human need for connection, especially in bustling cities where loneliness is common despite the crowd.
Learning Japanese for the Role
Fraser’s dedication to the film extended beyond the script. To fully embody his character, he had to learn Japanese. “The goal was always to sound like a foreigner speaking Japanese,” he explained. Fraser credits his co-star Shannon Mahina Gorman, who played the young girl whose mother hires him to be her father, for helping him master the language. “Shannon was an excellent tutor,” he said, laughing at his initial missteps with intonation.
Fraser’s Unique Comeback
Rental Family marks Fraser’s first leading role since his Oscar-winning performance in The Whale. He described the film as “peerless,” highlighting its unconventional narrative about the boundaries between reality and performance. “It’s a story about what it means to have a family, even if it’s with substitute members,” he said.
The film’s unique approach and its exploration of relationships struck a chord with Fraser, giving him a sense of validation in his return to the spotlight.
The Intersection of Reality and Fiction
Fraser also acknowledged the ethical dilemmas posed by the concept of Rental Families, as it raises questions about authenticity in relationships. “It trespasses all kinds of moral boundaries,” he noted. However, this was the film’s intention—highlighting how blurred the lines between real and fake can become when people are in desperate need of companionship.
What’s Next for Brendan Fraser
As Fraser reflects on his career and this thought-provoking role, he is open to future projects that challenge expectations and deepen his understanding of both human connection and his craft. “It’s been a journey of assurance,” Fraser concluded, speaking about his experience making Rental Family.
Conclusion
Rental Family is now in UK cinemas, offering a fresh perspective on loneliness and human relationships through the lens of a unique and compelling narrative. Fraser’s personal connection to the subject matter only enhances the film’s emotional depth, making it a must-watch for those interested in the complexities of connection and isolation.
