THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

What a finish to Thanksgiving break! I have never watched so many consecutive new releases as I did over the last week, but it’s been so fun. Rental Family was a film that caught my attention from its first trailer—I have a thing for films that highlight people’s goodness and humanity—and the product absolutely delivered.

I have yet to see Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-winning turn in The Whale, but I didn’t need to see that to know just how amazing he was here. Fraser’s performance was innocent and pure and compassionate, and I connected with how he felt as his situation unraveled around them. I would’ve absolutely collapsed if I were in his shoes, so his ability to stay honest and prioritize his clients’ real needs melted my heart. Fraser may not win the Oscar, but he deserves a nomination for sure; what a resurgence!

The film’s premise was so simple, and its wide open-ness was its biggest strength, allowing Phillip to connect with people in so many different settings. It was clear that his work was important and that he was, at least for a time, making a positive change in these people’s lives. I loved, though, how Hikari didn’t allow the Rental Family system to function without criticism. Ultimately, every client was going to be hurt—by the employee or their loved ones—and the film didn’t shy away from those realities. It was reassuring (and very good writing) that each of the four employees that the film focused on eventually came to the same realization and strove for true good instead.

What Rental Family had to say about human connection was really great, and it was best illustrated in Shinji’s fake family at the end. First of all, what a twist! I truly didn’t see it coming, and my jaw was on the floor. The film made it very clear that the most meaningful connections are the most authentic ones, too. The best authentic connection of the movie was easily between Phillip and Mia, and I loved how their relationship was resolved in the end. I bet they could form a real relationship since Phillip still lives in Japan, and that makes me really happy!

I wasn’t surprised by how much I enjoyed Rental Family; movies that focus on our inherent goodness, like The Life of Chuck (another great 2025 release) are always winners for me. Complement a great story that had no problem pointing out its own flaws with a stellar performance from Brendan Fraser, and you get one of the warmest and most delightful movies of the year. I’m trying to start rating the films I watch a little more rigorously, but Rental Family is making it really hard to do that. Maybe loving everything I see isn’t such a bad thing.