This 2023 Japanese drama film, directed by Yuta Yamazaki, explores the unusual profession of a man who works for a service providing temporary family members for various social situations. What is the title of this movie?

The film exploring the unusual profession of a man providing temporary family members is titled Rental Family (Review). This compelling drama, though not directed by Yuta Yamazaki, was helmed by Hikari (Mitsuyo Miyazaki) and premiered in 2025, with a wider release in 2025 and 2026. It features Brendan Fraser as Phillip, an American actor living in Tokyo who finds an unusual gig working for a Japanese "rental family" agency.

The movie delves into the fascinating and sometimes poignant world of these rental services, which are a very real phenomenon in Japan. These agencies provide individuals to fill various social roles, from a stand-in father for a school interview to a mourner at a fake funeral, addressing a deep-seated need for connection in a society that can often feel isolating. As Phillip immerses himself in these fabricated relationships, the lines between performance and genuine human connection begin to blur, forcing him to confront the moral complexities of his work.

Rental Family explores themes of loneliness, the human need for belonging, and the search for purpose in a disconnected world. The film is praised for its sensitive cultural commentary on Japanese social norms, where issues of shame and decorum can sometimes prevent people from openly seeking help for isolation, making these rental services a vital, albeit unconventional, outlet. Ultimately, it's a heartwarming and thought-provoking look at how meaningful bonds can be formed in unexpected ways, even through transactional relationships.