Rental Family (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Hey, Rick.

Hi. I made it.

Phillip.

The culprit is here.

We must capture him.

We must capture him.

That is our challenge.

How did you know?

Your face.

Yeah?

I hope you have

a clean black suit.

Morning, Sonia.

I got you a gig today

at 10:00 a.m. in Saitama.

I know it's kinda far,

but can you make it?

Of course.

What's the production?

They didn't give us

too many details,

but pays pretty well.

-What's my role?

-Sad American.

The f*ck?

Guess that means

no zombies.

Nope.

Anyway, you've got 15 minutes.

Until what?

The next guest will arrive.

And he won't be getting up.

Nothing about that was fake.

Especially to Mr. Daito.

The man in the box.

Well, what would you call it,

then?

You know?

I might be able

to use you for something

more than a sad American.

All right.

I knew you would come.

So what do you think we do?

You, if I have to guess

you, um

you sell people.

-No.

-No.

We sell emotion.

Oh.

How?

We play roles

in the clients' lives.

Thanks.

But

you can't just,

you know,

replace someone in your life.

Yes and no.

But people are willing

to take a leap.

The actor, the surrogate.

You don't have to be

that person.

You just have to help clients

connect to what's missing.

-Like what?

-Well,

could be anybody

from their life.

Or a feeling they once had.

Parents, siblings, boyfriends,

girlfriends, best friends.

We play it all.

Well, they could just

get a therapist.

It's not that easy here.

Mental health issues are

stigmatized in this country.

So people have to turn

to other things.

Like us.

Well, what do you need me for?

We need a token white guy.

It's a niche market.

And I need someone

to fill the role.

Just token white guy.

Um, I'm I'm just an actor.

I don't know

how to help people.

But you know how to perform.

I've seen the rsum.

Look, what I'm offering here

is a chance to play roles

with real meaning.

Thank you so much.

I really appreciate it.

It was nice

Nice meeting you.

Eh?

Huh?

Nice to meet you.

-How you doing?

-I like this commercial.

-Thanks.

-How long ago was that?

Seven years?

That's what brought you

to Japan, right?

Well, I'm sure you have plenty

of acting gigs to go back to.

Or you can give this a try.

Because you are Canadian

and you got a job at home.

Here. Your name is

Brian Callahan.

Okay.

Are you sure

that I'm not too old for you?

No.

An older man feels

a little more responsible.

How are your parents

taking all of this?

Thank you

for doing this for me.

Of course.

Can't she just

leave her family?

She can't. She loves them.

What about the truth?

Well, sometimes the story

we tell ourselves

becomes the truth.

To her parents,

you are her husband.

Memorize everything

in the folder.

Every word. Every detail.

-Okay?

-Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Brian?

-Brian?

-sh*t.

Phillip?

What's going on?

Nothing. Just

I need a moment.

How long's a moment?

A moment, you know?

A moment.

We need you downstairs now.

Aiko, listen. I'm sorry.

I can't go through with this.

Listen.

All you have to do

is sip sake.

That's it.

No. It's It's a lie.

I'm messing with

people's lives.

You cannot do this to me.

-Hey.

-What are you doing?

This is not a lie.

It's an opportunity.

The parents get

the memory they want.

The bride gets her freedom.

If you don't go through with

this, you will ruin her life.

Do you understand?

Get out.

Phillip.

Come on!

Go. Go.

Welcome to our family, Brian.

That was

a beautiful wedding.

Yes.

Nice room.

Very.

I got it.

Phillip?

Congratulations.

I got married today, Lola.

No, it was for work.

Well, it was

It was terrifying

and exhilarating.

And I haven't felt something

like that in a long time.

And I know that it was fake,

but there were moments

that it felt real.

Already?

Hmm.

I give you ten more minutes.

It's your wedding night.

But

if you wanna keep this job,

I need to know that you're

committed moving forward.

No more hiding in bathrooms.

That won't happen again.

I am, I promise.

-Huh?

-A father?

Later.

This girl needs a father

in order to transfer

to a private school.

You can't be a single mother?

She's been denied once,

and her mother

doesn't wanna risk it again.

Oh, I get it.

So I just play her dad

for the interview?

Actually, no.

The mother thinks

it'll be better

if her daughter believes

you're her real father.

Why?

Well, she's been

feeling down, lately.

And her mother's hoping

that meeting her father

would give her

the confidence she needs.

Also, the mother

doesn't want her daughter

to have to pretend

during the interview.

So, your relationship with her

has to feel authentic.

Listen, I didn't grow up

with a father,

so I don't really know

how to be one.

Now is your chance.

How long is the commitment?

Well, you will meet with her

regularly.

At least up till the test,

which is in three weeks.

So, you need to

get to know her right away.

What if she finds out?

She can't.

You have to trust yourself.

Hey.

Can you give me

just five minutes?

Why?

Come on. Please.

Can I get you

something to drink?

Nope.

You knew the situation.

You knew we were

her last option,

and you still

nearly backed out.

-But I didn't.

-But you would have.

See, you're just a

You will never understand

how things work here.

-You're right.

-I am

But Japan is my home now. And

I want to try to understand.

Why do you do this?

-What?

-This job.

You're so passionate

about it. Why?

It's the way

these people look at you.

Like they've been waiting

for you their whole lives.

Despite everything Tada says,

these people stay with you.

Sometimes all we need

is someone to look us

in the eye

and remind us we exist.

Hello there, Mia.

My name is Kevin.

I'm your father.

Hi, Mia. I'm your father.

No, that's way too formal.

Hi, Mia. You've grown so much.

Look how big you are.

I'm Kevin. I'm your father.

I missed you.

Hitomi-san.

Hi. Thank you for coming.

Please take this.

It's a backpack.

She's been begging me for it.

Perfect.

So, she doesn't know

she's meeting you today.

Oh.

She wouldn't have come

otherwise.

Okay, no problem.

Thank you.

Hello, Mia.

Here. Look,

I got you something.

I hope you like it.

-I hate it!

-Mia!

You can't bribe me.

I'm sorry that

you feel that way, Mia.

And I know

that I have not been here

Mia!

Mia!

Hey. Mia!

Stop following me!

I know her! Hey.

Go away.

Wait up.

Please, stop. I can explain.

Did you think

you can just show up?

Your mom said that you need me

to get you into school.

That's the only reason

why you're here?

No, no, no. It's not.

I've been wanting to see you,

and there hasn't been a moment

when I haven't thought

about you.

Why did you leave us, then?

Because I was stupid.

And I can see,

you're very angry with me.

And you probably

shouldn't forgive me,

but I'm here now.

Mia.

Yes. We need him.

Let me be some use to you.

Fine.

But lock it and swear

you'll never leave us again.

Okay.

I I swear.

Sorry.

How's it going, dad?

She hates me.

That's what being a parent is.

No, I am serious.

She hates me.

She doesn't hate you.

She hates

the man you're playing.

Listen to what they want,

and feed them what they need.

You're just acting.

Acting. I know. Just acting.

Anyway,

I've got a new client for you.

You know the actor,

Kikuo Hasegawa?

Of course.

Well,

he thinks he's been forgotten.

So his daughter wants

someone to interview him

to honor his legacy.

Wow.

This is a really

impressive collection.

Classic. Mingus,

"Myself When I am Real"?

Do you play?

No, I don't, unfortunately.

Um

But I admire.

My father, he, uh,

he played bass.

Never thought

of it that way before.

Let's get

some air.

Okay, let's do that.

What do you want to know?

Everything.

There's nobody like you.

You can record my voice,

but please, no video.

-Hi, Mia.

-Thank you for being here.

Mia.

Sorry.

I should be done by 1:00 p.m.

All right.

So what are we gonna make?

Can you be his dad too?

Of course.

What What is that?

Okay.

Well, you're

gonna have to show me how.

Thanks for helping Shion.

Meet me at the karaoke box.

You're going to be

a cheerleader today.

I love video games.

Yeah, count me in.

Nice room.

One more time.

Yeah!

Kaori-san.

Right this way.

My name is Takashi.

Hello. How are you?

Good to meet you.

Did you trim your beard?

It looks good, man.

Wow!

Well, this is amazing.

It's cool.

But it's fake.

But isn't it real

to the person who made it?

You know, sometimes

it's okay to pretend.

I gotta take a quick call.

-I'll be right back.

-Okay.

-Hello?

-Hey!

So, you remember

the detective series

you auditioned for last month?

-You got the part.

-Really?

-Congratulations, Phillip.

-Wow.

They're sh**ting in Korea

and want you there right away.

I am so happy for you.

Well deserved.

It's good. It's great.

Oh, I have a really good

feeling about this one.

Hello?

Hey, listen, um

I'm gonna have to go.

Let me get back to you.

All right?

Call me back soon.

There you are.

Are you coming?

Yeah.

Heaven on your tongue.

You try.

Is everything

all right with your daughter?

"The man on the screen."

Do you regret it?

Not at the time.

Do you have any children?

I have a daughter.

No.

No. But I would like to be.

Mmm.

-Are you my mother?

-No.

Oh, sh*t.

Kikuo-san. Kikuo-san!

Hey, hey! Stop, stop, stop!

Kikuo-san!

Hey, where are you going?

Listen. It's me. It's John.

We were eating together.

And I'm writing a story

about you.

Yeah. I think it's time

to go home.

Yeah.

We're gonna go in here

and get your shoes. All right?

I can't hear you.

So, what do you do?

I'm a computer engineer.

What's your nationality?

American.

My great-grandparents were

from Ireland.

I'm part Irish?

Yes, that's right.

You are.

Wow, that's cool.

Where were you born?

Sit.

Let's say this is, um,

Japan right here.

And, over here, way over here,

this is America.

Sort of like that.

And right in the middle

is a place called

Minnesota.

Is that

where my grandparents live?

Uh, no. My mom did.

My dad wasn't around

that much.

Do you talk to them?

No. They're gone now.

Do you have anyone left?

I have you now.

I have an idea.

Type in your number.

-Okay.

-Here. Here.

Okay

Meow meow meow!

Now, I can message you.

And you won't feel alone.

I'll race you

to the sweet shop.

Oh.

Wow.

-Hi.

-Hi.

Yes.

Mmm!

Mia.

You got that right.

Well, what do I owe you?

For you, it's on the house.

No. No, I

I owe you, Natsumi.

Whoa.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Yeah.

"Do not open

until you get home."

Hey, Sonia.

Hey, I was about to call you.

Listen, I I'm gonna pass.

What? Why?

You're joking, right?

No. I'm not.

I don't understand.

You told me

this is what you wanted.

I know. Please tell them

that I'm very grateful,

but I made a promise

to someone

and I need to keep it.

Phillip, you know,

this could literally

change your career.

I I can't do it.

Are you sure?

I mean, you've waited

so long for this.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Thank you for everything

that you've done.

We'll talk soon.

I'm That's I got it

Hi, Mia.

I don't wanna take the test.

No, it Your mom says that

it's one of the best schools

in Japan.

What if I get bullied?

Well, then I will put you

in karate classes. Hi-yah!

Okay, listen,

you're gonna be great.

You're almost at the end,

and I just know

you're gonna impress everyone.

-I hope so.

-You will.

I believe in you, Mia.

Thank you. See you soon.

-Shall I?

-Sure.

Okay, there should be three

to five teachers

at the interview.

When you speak,

hold eye contact

for no more than five seconds.

And our answers?

Short and to the point.

-Should we hold hands?

-No.

You can show some emotion,

but don't become emotional.

Yeah.

If they ask me,

I answer,

That's it?

I just say, "Nothing"?

Yes.

The school

does not want pressure

from the parents.

Yeah, but it's your child.

How long is she gonna be

going to school there for?

Through high school for now,

but she could go

to their university

if she does well.

Is it normal to determine

a child's future so early?

I'm sorry,

but I didn't hire you

to lecture me

on how to raise my child.

I'm not trying to interfere.

Then why are you talking

with her on the phone?

Sending her messages?

I'm just trying to help.

This kid just wants

to talk to her dad.

You are not her father.

I know.

Do you pray?

Not since I was 15.

What happened?

I turned 16.

A little too early

to give it up.

No.

No, I just

I have these memories

of being made

to go to church, and

I never saw the point.

"When in Rome,

do as Romans do."

Mmm.

But I also think it means

becoming more than yourself.

Hey, um, what is in there?

Maybe another time.

In Amakusa.

Why?

I left something behind.

And can't Masami go

and get it for you?

Masami cannot know

that we are going.

Why not?

Sometimes,

all a man has are his secrets.

Hey, it's me.

Wow.

How many clients have you had?

Seven or maybe eight hundred.

And you just keep 'em all?

Yeah. As a reminder

of how many people need

our help.

It's growing on me.

You're good at it.

Thank you.

It hasn't gotten too personal?

No.

I don't think so.

Well, the little girl's

mother called.

Yeah?

She wants the next session

to be your last.

What?

Why?

She's getting

a little too attached.

What am I supposed

to tell her?

That you have to go back

to the States.

That you will miss her.

Just like that?

That's how

this business works.

All relationships have to end.

Then what?

We move on.

There's always someone new.

You'll get used to it.

Okay. Yeah.

Yeah.

Hello.

Hey, John.

What's all this?

Hey, listen. I can't take you.

Sure you can.

What if something happens

to you?

Aren't you a writer?

I am.

Then how

can you write my story

if you don't start

at the beginning?

Your daughter wants you

to stay.

I'll

-I'll see you tomorrow.

-No.

Did you study the notes?

Got it.

Do you have any questions?

I'm good.

Okay.

Mia, are you okay?

-I think so.

-Hey. You got this.

You're gonna do great.

Kevin.

No, look, just

See?

-She's very talented.

-Right?

-Thank you.

-Okay.

Okay.

-Which one is it?

-Honest communication.

Sorry. Americans,

we talk before we think.

Mia has a lot

of individual personality.

Do you think she will

get along with other students?

Individual personality?

We want our students

to excel on their own,

but we need to know

they can work with others.

She has plenty of friends

at her current school.

And she's very thoughtful.

She asked me to be a father

to a little boy

whose parents didn't come

to the class visitations.

Yes,

and if you should choose

to accept our daughter,

please be there for her.

She needs to dream big,

and she needs to be unafraid.

She makes me a better person

every day.

And I'm sure that

she will make this

a better school.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Can we have dinner together?

Mia, he can't.

Why?

I have to go back to America.

For how long?

A year, maybe longer.

But you just got here.

I know.

You work from here?

My friend's dad works

from home.

I can't.

They need me there.

You'll be back, right?

I want you to know

how proud I am of you.

I'm gonna need you

to be strong for your mom.

Can you do that?

I'll miss you, Dad.

Mia?

Take care, Hitomi.

I'm really gonna miss

that kid.

Her mom did

what she thought was best.

Yeah.

Would you ever use

our service?

-You mean hire someone?

-Mm-hmm.

Never thought of that.

Well, if you could

hire someone

to play someone in your life,

who would that be?

-You're being serious?

-Yeah.

My mom.

Why?

Because she never judged me.

And it would be nice

to feel that again.

Who would you choose?

Me?

-I don't know.

-Come on, don't give me that.

I don't.

Well, at least tell me

what happened here.

Were you in an underground

Tokyo fight club?

I wish, I mean

Angry housewife.

It was for a job?

You tell Tada?

Yeah.

It comes with the territory.

You know apologies are

our most popular service.

I'm probably the last person

you should ask

for advice from,

but if you ever need someone

to talk to

Thanks.

Kikuo-san, psst, hey.

Kikuo-san, wake up.

-John.

-You ready?

For what?

Jailbreak.

Jailbreak.

Yeah. Here.

Put this on.

What is this?

It's your disguise. Go ahead.

Terrible.

I choose my own costume.

Now, I'm wakin'

At the crack of dawn

To send

A little money home

From here to the moon

Is risin' like

A discotheque

Go!

Lookin' at happiness

Keepin' my flavor fresh

Nobody knows I guess

Leavin' at six o'clock

Meet in a parkin' lot

Harriet Hendershot

Sunglasses on

She waits by this

Glass and concrete

And stone

It is just a house

Hmm.

Kikuo-san.

Japan has more

gods than vending machines.

Kikuo-san.

Kikuo-san.

Kikuo-san!

Kikuo-san!

What are you doing?

Okay. It's okay.

What is

My life

before my life.

Is that you?

You good?

Hey, I need to make a call.

So, I'll

-Hey. Um

-Where are you?

-I'm in Amakusa.

-What? Where?

I'm with Kikuo. He's fine.

How can you be so stupid?

You kidnapped our client!

-I didn't kidnap him.

-You took him from his home.

No, he asked for something,

and I gave it to him.

Isn't

Isn't that what we do?

Fulfillment.

It wasn't your choice to make.

No, it was his.

If one word of this gets out,

my business is gone.

-Do you understand that?

-You're a hypocrite.

You talk about helping people,

and you act like

you're saving them

when you're actually

hurting them.

-What are you talking about?

-Aiko, the bruise on her face.

Now, that's on you.

How dare you.

Kikuo-san. Kikuo. Kikuo.

Kikuo. Kikuo-san.

Hey, hey, hey. Kikuo-san.

f*ck.

Kikuo-san.

Kikuo-san.

Mia.

You look like sh*t.

Hey, thanks

for getting me out.

It wasn't just me.

What did Kikuo say?

That he forced you

to be his accomplice.

He did?

And he told Masami-san

to drop the charges.

So why did you do it?

I needed to help him.

But why take the risk?

Um

My father died two years ago.

And, um

I didn't go to the funeral.

Got on a train

and went to the airport

I just

just sat in the terminal.

So I wanted to be there

for Kikuo.

Hey.

I will

see you again, my friend.

Did you say goodbye?

Yeah, I did.

I am sorry for what I said.

I needed to hear it.

Come on.

Hey, Mia.

Congratulations on

getting into school.

Is my mom paying you?

No. But I asked her

if I could visit you.

Why are you here?

I'm just here to talk.

I don't talk to strangers.

I can go, if you want.

Why do adults always lie?

It's because it's a lot easier

than telling the truth.

Sometimes they lie

to protect the people

that they care about,

but your mom never wanted

to hurt you.

You hurt me too.

And you promised you wouldn't.

I know.

I know. And I'm sorry.

We should've been

honest with you.

It's not fair.

I liked you being my dad.

Me too.

You know, you could have

told me you were famous.

I'm not famous.

What's your real name?

I'm Phillip.

I'm Mia.

Where And how did you

get on that TV show?

How'd I get on a TV show?