Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser (The Whale) plays a Caucasian American whose acting career in Japan has fizzled out after a successful toothpaste commercial. Without a solid gig in sight, he reluctantly joins a company that provides actors as stand-in loved ones for hire. Initially skeptical about this absurd service, the protagonist gradually finds fulfillment in the real connections he forms with his clients under these contrived circumstances. This heart-warming comedy features a cast of likeable characters that delivers tender moments without going overboard. Fraser, as usual, exudes sincerity in his performance, drawing viewers closer to the emotional core of a family film that is rare in this age. Rental Family was named one of the top 10 films of 2025 by the National Board of Review.

Hikari (b. Japan), whose original name is Mitsuyo Miyazaki, is a graduate of the master’s programme at University of Southern California’s film school. Her feature film debut, 37 Seconds (2019), premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. She has directed episodes of television series including Tokyo Vice (2022) and Beef (2023).