Rental Family

Philip (Brendan Fraser), a lonely American actor living in Tokyo, starts working for a Japanese rental family service to play stand-in roles in other people's lives. As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds, he finds surprising connections and unexpected joys within these new families.

The amiable Brendan Fraser won an Oscar® for his part in the film The Whale: a performance, a transformation. Behind all the make-up, the eyes were his. Eyes with a gift for sadness, which Japanese director Hikari make the starting point of this unconventional, endearing crowd pleaser. She moves with soft touches which, although narratively simple at first sight, in a way that could make you think that “you know where this is going”, begin to compose something more complex and delightful, a bit like these delicacies made of layers of thin crepes and whipped cream. In that state of comfort and enjoyment, you are ripe for the surprises that Hikari reserved for a particularly moving third act.

Cork International Film Festival is delighted to return to its Principal Venue, The Arc Cinema on North Main St, Cork, for its 70th Festival edition, Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

The Arc Cinema Cork is home to The GATE Screen — a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the beloved former Gate Cinema — and an ideal spot for meeting fellow festival goers in between screenings. The GATE Screen features luxurious double sofa seats and tables, creating an intimate and sophisticated viewing experience. It is dedicated to showcasing arthouse films, including independent and local productions, foreign and Irish language titles throughout the year.