Brendan Fraser’s latest venture, “Rental Family,” has not only been a creative endeavor but also a personal breakthrough. At a London Q&A following the screening, Fraser revealed that the film played a crucial role in helping him tackle his long-standing struggle with insecurity. The project reminded him of his self-worth, reinforcing the belief that he always had what it takes.
Rediscovery Through Acting
During the emotionally charged panel discussion, Fraser opened up about his journey with self-doubt. “‘I struggle with insecurity, and to make this film, it reminded me that I’m good enough, and I always was all along,” Fraser shared. “Why am I giving myself such a hard time? It’s there.” His journey through “Rental Family” mirrors his character’s evolution, Philip Vanderplug, who finds unexpected connections in the unique “rental family” industry in Tokyo.
The film, receiving attention at the Toronto, London, and Tokyo Film Festivals, explores profound themes of connection and belonging, striking a chord with its audiences and cast alike.
Inspiration Behind the Film
Director and co-writer Hikari explained the inspiration behind “Rental Family,” which stemmed from a job listing discovered during the pandemic. “My co-writer Stephen Blahut was randomly looking for a job in Tokyo, and he found a job such as rental family,” Hikari revealed. The concept became a lens through which the film examines modern isolation and the human desire for connection in an increasingly distanced world.
Deeply Personal Performances
The film’s cast brought personal experiences to their roles, enhancing the authenticity of the story. Takehiro Hira, reflecting on his own youthful isolation abroad, found resonance in his workaholic character, noting, “I went to the States when I was 15, and I spent many days, and Christmas nights, sitting all by myself.”
Mari Yamamoto also connected deeply with her role, drawing parallels from her own experience of feeling like an outsider. “I moved to the U.K. from Japan when I was 5,” she shared. These personal insights contributed to a powerful portrayal of her character’s search for purpose and belonging.
A Celebrated Collaboration
Fraser expressed admiration for his co-star Shannon Gorman, a newcomer who impressed with her emotional depth. “She has an ability to express herself with an emotional bandwidth that is astonishing,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, legendary actor Akira Emoto’s portrayal of a character grappling with aging and memory loss offered a poignant exploration of loneliness. Through a translator, he reflected, “Loneliness, is it something bad? I believe it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s not necessarily a negative thing.”
The making of “Rental Family” spanned five years and faced challenges such as the pandemic and industry strikes. The dedication and emotional investment of everyone involved paid off in a film that resonates deeply, both with audiences and with those who brought it to life.
