Searchlight Pictures has released its first trailer for “Rental Family,” the Brendan Fraser-starring dramatic comedy coming to theaters this November.
In the film, Fraser plays an American actor living in Tokyo. When he starts taking roles for the Japanese Rental Family Agency, he finds unexpected connections playing a stand-in in other people’s familial lives. Alongside Fraser in his first leading role since his Oscar-winning performance in 2022’s “The Whale,” “Rental Family” stars Mari Yamamoto (“Monarch”), Takehiro Hira (“Shōgun”) and Akira Emoto (“Dr. Akagi”). The film was shot on location in Japan between March and May of last year.
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The trailer is the latest installment in the film’s unique marketing campaign, which has featured seemingly authentic advertisements for the fictitious Rental Family Agency’s unique services. The posters showcase Fraser dressed for family occasions like weddings, nights at the movies or a day on the golf course. Between Japanese and English text, the Agency promises 24/7 consultation and “Happiness Tailored To You!” Nowhere does it read “Searchlight Pictures” or any other suggestion that the poster promotes a movie.
The film is directed by Hikari, the Japanese filmmaker of “37 Seconds” and “Beef” fame. “Rental Family” marks her sophomore feature film following “37 Seconds,” which premiered at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival and was distributed by Netflix. Hikari wrote the screenplay for “Rental Family” with “37 Seconds” cinematographer Stephen Blahut.
“Rental Family” is produced by Hikari as well as Shin Yamaguchi, Julia Lebedev and Eddie Vaisman. It was shot by Director of Photography Takurô Ishizaka, edited by Thomas A. Krueger and developed with Sight Unseen Productions. It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September ahead of a wide theatrical release on Nov. 21.
Watch the trailer below.
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