Rent-a-Pal

In a modern world where horror movies are forced to apply the golden rule of "a scare every 10 minutes", a film like 'Rent-A-Pal' is a refreshing alternative. Not enough films respect their audience anymore, but this one does - almost to a fault. It comes in at 108 minutes long, which is roughly 18 minutes longer than 95% of modern horror movies. And it is significantly slower and more drawn out than those other films as well. This is a film that isn't going to be rushed or hurried along by anyone. It knows where its going and the route it wants to take to get there, and that's what it goes about doing. The results are pretty decent.

After reading the synopsis for 'Rent-A-Pal' I wasn't exactly sure how the film was going to go. It was hard for me to imagine how they could pull off a film like that. Even still, as I was watching it, it was more unique than I expected it to be. It was hard to know whether the film just wanted you to buy into the concept, or whether there was more going on than met the eye. The film does get quite uncomfortable at times. They didn't want to make it easy on the audience and they certainly did a good job of making us squirm through the awkwardness of certain scenes.

'Rent-A-Pal' never feels in your face, or like its going out of its way to impress you. It's quite an understated film in that sense. It's a film where a long way into the runtime you may be asking yourself exactly where this is going - but in a good way. You'll ask that in a sense that you want to know, rather than out of frustration. The ending was reasonably well done I thought, without being anything mind-blowing. I had a good time with 'Rent-A-Pal' and I would call this a slightly above average film worth having a look at.

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.

Well that was a surprise. I definitely wasn't expecting this movie to be as good as it was. Other then the ending I thought this movie was really good. It had a great cast and original plot. I can't really think of another film quite like it. I wouldn't necessarily call it a horror film though. It was more like a dark comedy. 6 stars from me.

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.

A good thriller about how lonely a person can be and how the ressentment of life can bring you to the break of madness. With Wheaton bringing some great and creepy acting to the table.