Saved events

Rental Family (12A)

Parent & Baby Screening

,Cinema 3
A man and a young girl standing on a bridge

Brendan Fraser is an American actor drifting through Tokyo in HIKARI's new film, searching for connection beyond the barriers of language and culture.

Set in present-day Tokyo, American actor Philip (Brendan Fraser) is adrift in his career, until he starts working at a Japanese 'rental family' agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he inhabits these borrowed lives, authentic connections begin to form. Navigating the ethical ambiguities of his work, Philip uncovers meaning, community, and the subtle grace of human intimacy.

Brendan Fraser returns to the screen following his Oscar win for The Whale, working with director HIKARI, who is best known for directing the acclaimed series Beef and the feature 37 Seconds. Together, Fraser and HIKARI grapple with the idea of chosen family in an era of disconnection, through an unlikely profession that has existed in Japan since the 1980s.

Tagged with: Cinema Parent and Baby Screening

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar. 

Film information
  • Release year   2025
  • Country of origin   USA, Japan
  • Director   HIKARI
  • Runtime   1hr 50mins

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.