Rent-a-Pal

For such a low budget film with no very big name Hollywood actors, this is actually a very good picture. It doesn't have any big stunts, CGI or typical Hollywood scare tactics, but it doesn't need any. The acting is exceptionally well done and well cast to fit the script. The actors are more than capable of executing a creepy discomfort from beginning to end, which is a nice change from the traditional gory hack and slash films lately that just try to produce shock value. There are some gory scenes here and there, but they're evenly spaced out and not overly dramatic. Last but not least, it has Will Wheaton, so if you're a big Star Trek TNG fan, you'll like that he's in it and the role really allows him to spread his acting wings.

Plot

1990: David, 40, looks after his dementia mom. He uses a video dating service to no avail. He buys a "Rent-A-Pal" video tape and things change.

Cast

The directional debut of Jon Stevenson and stars Lord King Emperor of all us nerds, Wil Wheaton.

Verdict

Rent-A-Pal was a movie I watched because I wanted to see something before bed and I couldn't be bothered to spend much time scrolling through the streaming service. I had no expectations, I had never heard of the film and I was going in blind and that's rare and appreciated.

If you're expecting a horror, you'll be disappointed as it simply isn't Think of it as a slow burn thriller with the core themes of loneliness and mental health.

It's a solemn sad tale that doesn't really let up, it's dark, it's gripping and unexpectedly it was surprisingly unique and kept my attention throughout.

Wheaton was great here, the films construction is solid and though I'd argue it's very niche it worked for me and I walked away deeming it one of the better movies I've seen in a while.

Rants

Something I took away from the film was nostalgia, did I ever participate in VHS dating? No, in fact I don't know if it's ever been a thing here in the UK and certainly doesn't come across very practical. But VHS, the 90's, it reminds me of the good ol'days of visiting Blockbuster, that wonderful feeling of a VHS block and the noise it made when you moved it. I miss those days, digital doesn't have the same magic.

Breakdown

Very unique Fascinating premise Good performances Very niche Drags in places.

This is not a horror so don't go in it for that. It's more of a psychological thriller than anything, overall it's a decent film nonetheless. Maybe a little slow at the start but stick with it Worth a watch 7/10

Long and slow movie to get to the end. It's a bit creepy which was a nice tone once it got to that part. The lasagna was the real villain in this movie.

So get it out of the "horror movie" genre. Once you view it as a character study, a dark one at that, it may be better reviewed. With a low budget, the director / producer / writer managed to put together a very well done, character-driven, engaging little movie. The cinematography was very good, the tension was palpable, the dementia was well portrayed. Thoughts of "Requiem for a Dream" and even "Taxi Driver" went through my head as I watched. Definitely recommend for what it is.