RENTAL FAMILY Director Hikari Hosts Reddit AMA – Starring Brendan Fraser

Acclaimed filmmaker Hikari recently held a Reddit AMA to discuss her upcoming film RENTAL FAMILY, starring Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser. The Japan-set drama, produced by Searchlight Pictures, hits theaters nationwide on November 21. Fans got an inside look at the film’s themes, casting, and cultural depth.

What Is RENTAL FAMILY About?

The film explores Japan’s rent-a-family industry, where people hire actors to pose as relatives or friends. Fraser plays a struggling actor who takes on such a role, blurring the line between performance and real emotional bonds.

Hikari shared that the story stems from Japan’s loneliness crisis:

“Paying for companionship is heartbreaking, yet it’s a universal need. Brendan’s character embodies that search for belonging.”

Why Brendan Fraser Was the Perfect Casting Choice

Fresh off his Oscar win for The Whale, Fraser brings raw vulnerability to the role. Hikari revealed:

“He spent months researching Japanese culture and shadowing real rental actors. His dedication is incredible.”

Fans compared the film to Lost in Translation meets The Whale—a melancholic yet hopeful character study.

Filming in Japan & Cultural Authenticity

Shot in Tokyo’s izakayas, train stations, and residential areas, the film captures urban isolation. Hikari, a Tokyo native raised in the U.S., called it a “homecoming.”

When asked if the film critiques Japan’s society, she clarified:

“It’s not a critique—it’s a compassionate look at how people cope with loneliness worldwide.”

The Importance of a Theatrical Release

Despite streaming trends, Hikari pushed for theaters:

“A film about connection should be experienced together.”

Searchlight’s nationwide release signals strong confidence in its emotional impact.

Will You Watch RENTAL FAMILY?

Mark your calendars for November 21!