The Rental
Movie Trailer
Release Date
July 24, 2020
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Dan Stevens as Charlie
- Alison Brie as Michelle
- Sheila Vand as Mina
- Jeremy Allen White as Josh
- Toby Huss as Taylor
Director
Dave Franco
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Rental is Dave Franco’s directorial debut.
Producer
- Dave Franco
- Joe Swanberg
- Ben Stillman
- Teddy Schwarzman
- Christopher Storer
Writer
- Dave Franco
- Joe Swanberg
Budget
$3.5 million
Production Company
- Black Bear Pictures
- Ramona Films
Running Time
88 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Violence
- Language
- Drug use
- Sexual content
- Strong tension and suspense
Movie Story
The Rental is a tense and unsettling horror-thriller that centers on two couples who decide to rent a remote seaside house for a weekend getaway. Charlie (Dan Stevens) and his wife Michelle (Alison Brie) are joined by Charlie’s brother Josh (Jeremy Allen White) and Josh’s girlfriend Mina (Sheila Vand), who also happens to be Charlie’s business partner. The group hopes to unwind and enjoy the picturesque location, but the idyllic setting soon turns sinister.
From the start, tensions simmer beneath the surface, as the relationships between the characters are fraught with secrets and unspoken conflicts. Mina is suspicious of the property’s caretaker, Taylor (Toby Huss), after a racially charged encounter during check-in, and the group’s paranoia grows when they discover hidden cameras in the house. What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend quickly descends into a nightmare as the couples realize they are being watched, and their darkest secrets begin to unravel.
As the situation escalates, mistrust and fear take hold, leading to confrontations and panic. The tension builds to a terrifying climax as the characters are forced to confront not only the threat of an unseen voyeur but also their own culpability in the unfolding events. The Rental explores themes of privacy invasion, the fragility of relationships, and the dangers that can arise when secrets come to light.
Special Effects
The Rental is more focused on building psychological tension than on elaborate special effects. The film employs a minimalist approach, relying on its unsettling atmosphere, suspenseful pacing, and effective use of sound design to create a sense of dread. The sparse use of effects enhances the realism of the story, making the horror elements more impactful and the sense of danger more immediate. The film’s cinematography captures the isolation of the coastal setting, adding to the overall sense of unease.
Box Office Performance
The Rental had a successful release, especially given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became the first film to top both the box office and the VOD charts in the same weekend, grossing over $4 million in domestic theaters and performing well on streaming platforms. The film was praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and the directorial debut of Dave Franco.
Filming Locations
- Bandon, Oregon, USA
- Portland, Oregon, USA
Notable Quotes
- “It’s easy to get in. It’s hard to get out.” – Charlie
- “Do you think someone’s watching us?” – Michelle
- “There’s no coming back from this.” – Mina
Behind-the-Scenes
The Rental marks the directorial debut of Dave Franco, known for his acting roles in films like Now You See Me and The Disaster Artist. Franco co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Swanberg, drawing inspiration from real-life fears about privacy invasion and the potential dangers of vacation rentals. The film was shot on location in Oregon, and the secluded, scenic setting plays a crucial role in creating the film’s eerie atmosphere. Franco’s direction was noted for its ability to sustain tension and maintain a sense of unease throughout the film, establishing him as a promising new voice in the horror-thriller genre.
Awards
- Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Independent Film
- Nominated for the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best First Feature
Final Verdict
The Rental is a chilling and suspenseful thriller that effectively taps into contemporary anxieties about privacy and trust. With strong performances from its ensemble cast and a taut, atmospheric narrative, the film delivers a gripping experience that keeps viewers on edge until the final moments. Dave Franco’s directorial debut is an impressive and promising entry into the horror genre, making The Rental a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful horror.
IMDb Rating
5.7/10