Three years after his Academy Award-winning performance in The Whale, Brendan Fraser has embarked on a profoundly personal cinematic journey in Tokyo with his latest project, Rental Family.
A New Role in the Heart of Tokyo
According to industry reports from Variety, Fraser portrays Philip, an American actor feeling lost in Japan who discovers a renewed sense of purpose. His character finds meaningful human connection by working as a stand-in family member for individuals battling intense loneliness.
Speaking on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Fraser highlighted the film's unconventional narrative structure. This film really doesn't have a declared villain, he explained, emphasizing that the story focuses on social and personal challenges rather than traditional antagonists.
The Reality Behind Rental Families
The film's premise is grounded in a real social phenomenon. Since the 1980s, approximately 300 rental family agencies have operated in Tokyo, catering to those seeking companionship. Fraser delved into the fundamental human need that drives this industry.
Sometimes people just want you to look them in the eyes and to let them know that you know that they exist, and that's enough, Fraser poignantly observed. The narrative explores the complex emotional territory where professional, make-believe relationships begin to feel genuinely authentic.
A Personal Connection to the Theme
Fraser described his collaboration with director Hikari as a meeting of like-minded artists. We were finding a kinship with one another in the things that interested us in our approach to the work, he recalled. The role prompted him to reflect on his own experiences with isolation.
I try to chase it away. I try to keep myself busy. Or sometimes I'll accept it and sit in it, Fraser admitted about his personal strategies for dealing with loneliness. He added a profound insight, noting that even having company doesn't give you a sense of feeling less lonely.
Reflecting on the power of human bonds, Fraser stressed the significance of simple, meaningful exchanges. There's a reason why we call your brother, and it refuels you... It really does give you something that you can't buy or ingest or wear, he said, capturing the emotional core of Rental Family.
Despite the film's intimate scale, Fraser continues to balance character-driven projects with potential major studio films. He is awaiting the release of the World War II drama Pressure and hinted at a possible return to The Mummy franchise. While expressing enthusiasm for other upcoming opportunities like the Legend of Zelda film adaptation, Fraser indicated he likely will not have a role in that particular project.
