Ayala Malls Cinemas proudly brings the cross-cultural drama-comedy Rental Family, starring Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser, as part of its exclusive 2026 lineup. Esteemed as a go-to home of premium, exclusive films like no other, Ayala Malls Cinemas offers an exclusive cinematic experience celebrating all movie genres that inspire and entertain patrons.
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
Rental Family has touched the viewers’ hearts globally with its moving story about human connection, chosen families, and experiences of belonging, all magnified on the big screen. Now, all the way from Tokyo, it arrives only at Ayala Malls Cinemas for its theatrical run.
HIKARI (writer and director) shares that,“I believe that cinema can make the world a better place. It allows us to view others with empathy, creates space for conversation, and see parts of ourselves we did not know existed. If we embrace it, walls fade, and humanity comes through.” This aligns with Ayala Malls’ objective to create zones where stories resonate, and audiences can find entertainment and comfort.
Mari Yamamoto as “Aiko Nakajima” (left), Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (right)
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
In this film, Rental Family captures that family is not always defined by blood ties, but by presence, connection, and love—and that we always have people whom we can consider family. “Family is really who we include, rather than who we’re assigned to,” Fraser says.
With Ayala Malls Cinemas, its spaces provide a premium experience, serving not just as a go-to movie destination, but also a place where you can bond and share moments with your family, friends, and colleagues, experiencing different narratives that reflect real-life stories.
Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog”
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (left), Akira Emoto as “Kikuo Hasegawa”(right)
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
Witness Brendan Fraser as Philip Vandarpleog, taking multiple roles and experiencing the stories of his clients, exploring empathy, emotional complexities, loneliness, isolation, and humor on Ayala Malls Cinemas’ big screens that capture high quality audio projections with Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technologies improving clarity and deliver immersive realism. With the plush seating and generous legroom, and sharper images that bring every emotion and character to life. Patrons can also enjoy treats from The Movie Snackbar, including the must-have popcorn, burgers, hotdog sandwiches, and beverages, adding to your relaxing cinematic experience.
Takehiro Hira as “Shinji Tada” (left), Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (right)
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
Directed and written by Miyazaki Mitsuyo aka HIKARI (best known for the highly-relevant series “Beef” in Netflix), her latest film “Rental Family” explores themes of human connection, belonging, and modern relationships through a moving and intimate narrative that resonates across cultures. Its exclusive release at Ayala Malls Cinemas gives local moviegoers the opportunity to experience the film as it was meant to be seen.
Unravel the roles Philip plays for his clients in “Rental Family,” exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting January 21. Book your tickets online at www.sureseats.com
For latest updates, visit Ayala Malls Cinemas’ official channels or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
