The Rental - Movie Review

The Rental movie is directed by Dave Franco and it is written by both Dave Franco and Joe Swanberg.

The Rental; out in local cinemas now

Photo credit: Distributor by Atrinaga Sdn Bhd

Synopsis: Two couples on an oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister, as well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light. Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand star in this unnerving and sophisticated debut thriller from Dave Franco.

Photo credit: Distributor by Atrinaga Sdn Bhd

"THE RENTAL was inspired by my own paranoia about the concept of home-sharing, and I think the best way to contextualize the film is with a quote from the founder of AirBNB: “We want to build a website where people publicly post pictures of their most intimate spaces: their bedrooms, the bathrooms— the kinds of rooms you usually keep closed when people come over. And then, over the internet, they’re going to invite complete strangers to come sleep in their homes. It’s going to be huge!” The country is as divided as it's ever been and no one trusts each other, yet we trust staying in the home of a stranger simply because of a few positive reviews online. This felt like a good jumping off point for a grounded thriller, which could tap into real world fears. Nothing is scarier than something that feels like it could actually happen. I was inspired by films like THE SHINING, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, BLUE RUIN & HEREDITARY, all of which elevate the thriller/horror genre beyond cheap jump scares. I wanted to imbue a sense of dread starting from the opening frame, that slowly builds and creates tension, even in moments when nothing overtly scary is happening on screen. It's a fear that creeps up on you and lingers long after the film is over, as you start to look back on every rental home you've ever stayed in." - Dave Franco, Director of The Rental

The movie was sorta predictable but with a twist ending. The movie brings a fresh concept of you may be under surveillance while on vacation. You may now think twice before booking any Airbnb! I would rate this movie 7 out of 10 as their storyline is quite relatable and I quite love Dave Franco's directing & cinematography style as well. 

Director Dave Franco in his directorial debut for the movie, The Rental

Photo credit: Distributor by Atrinaga Sdn Bhd

To find out more, do check out the interview with the director himself, Dave Franco about his very first directorial debut!

The Rental - Dave Franco's Interview

Video Credit: IFC Films

To those who are planning to watch the movie, do check out their official trailer below and tell me what you think after watching it! Enjoy!