Oscar winner Brendan Fraser makes his highly anticipated return to cinemas today with the release of Rental Family. Distributed by Searchlight Pictures, the film is a poignant comedy-drama that explores the unique Japanese subculture of "renting" family members to fill emotional voids.

Fraser plays a down-and-out actor who finds a new lease on life when he is hired to play various roles—from a father to a best friend—for different clients. Early reviews have praised his performance as "heartbreakingly sincere," signaling another strong awards-season run for the actor.

The film’s unique premise and emotional depth are expected to make it a sleeper hit. Directed by Hikari, Rental Family is being lauded for its sensitive portrayal of loneliness and the universal human need for connection in a digital age.