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The Rental
2020
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Certified Fresh
$ 4 Million
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The Rental
Positive Reviews
127
Negative reviews
46
Average Rating
3.2
/5
exhilarating
effective
entertaining
interesting
emotional
All
Positive
Negative
4.5
Secrets are unearthed, jealousy erupts, bad decisions (as theyre prone to do) lead to bad consequences.
Keith & the Movies
2.0
A neat, nasty little thriller with a brutally effective final third.
EW
3.8
While its easy to see a lot of Francos influences in The Rental, he still finds a way to make this house his own.
Rogerebert
4.0
He doesnt go easy on his characters, and he finds an ending that clicks into place with a true shudder.
Common Sense Media
2.0
For one thing, theres chafing to consider (and a real horror master would have considered it, Dave!).
Indie Wire
4.5
Most of it is skillful and engrossing enough to establish Franco as a director to watch.
Variety
3.1
Dave Franco has a mighty command of silence as a measurement of emotional aftershock.
1.5
Franco isnt what I would call a rigorous director, but he demonstrates admirable control.
Vulture
4.5
Franco doesnt try to blow your mind, and thats OK; the sense of sleek, controlled craftsmanship is satisfying enough.
The Hollywood Reporter
3.5
Brutal, smart, wild and mean, The Rental savagely reinvents the summer camp slasher for the vacation rental generation, and delivers a punchline payof ..
1.5
Whether The Rental will injure the Airbnb industry is debatable, but its impact on moviegoers will otherwise barely be noticed.
The New York Times
3.4
But apart from a few stray hurt glances and one marital talk between husband and wife, Joshs mouthiness doesnt actually do anything for the plot.
Paste Magazine
4.0
Its a fun and feisty web of lies and deception with the added bonus of having a shadowy, stalking presence surrounding everything and everyone like a ..
IGN
2.0
A film that starts off as a low fi relationship drama in the vein of the work of Joe Swanberg (which makes sense since he co wrote it with Franco), en ..
E Film Critic
2.0
The film doesnt need to use the hoary old cut out of binoculars masking the frame to imply a sense theyre being watched.
Telegraph
1.5
The tonal shift doesnt play as a surprise but rather as the outcome of filmmakers who didnt quite know what to do next.
3.5
Whats really appreciative of this film is how final everything feels theres no fake outs or easy escapes.
The Young Folks
3.5
Here, weve got Dan Stevens and Sheila Vand playing outwardly affectionate business partners and probable soulmates but theres a catch.
JoBlo
3.0
Meanwhile one of the party disappears, and before long theres a corpse to contend with.
One Guys Opinion
2.5
The younger Franco doesnt reinvent the genre or advance it in any way.
Rogers Movie Nation
3.0
Francos making a relationship movie with a body count, and its effective, more so when dealing with people and their problems than acts of murder.
Blu Ray
3.8
That final move isnt quite as convincing as the rest of this story, although Franco presents the fallout with such skillful dread and relentlessness t ..
Mark Reviews Movies
2.0
A walk on the beach finds the couples swapped, Josh telling Michele hes afraid of losing Mina, Michele assuring him shes happy Charlie and Mina share ..
2.0
A walk on the beach finds the couples swapped, Josh telling Michele hes afraid of losing Mina, Michele assuring him shes happy Charlie and Mina share ..
4.5
...a seriously impressive debut from a thoroughly promising new filmmaker.
Reel Film Reviews
4.5
I got pulled into this, completely, gripping my cheeks, and its all totally plausible...
You Tube
3.0
Dave Franco has a solid directorial debut with this suspense thriller. but a weak ending somewhat dilutes the scary preceding story.
You Tube
4.0
The Rental oozes atmosphere with a smart script that plays heavily with character conflict. A true thriller in every sense. The constant tension betwe ..
You Tube
3.0
It is a solid watch. it plays with how crazy the idea of renting a home from a complete stranger is. Its got a great ensemble and it uses them well... ..
You Tube
3.0
A very generic slasher with nothing to say that hasnt already been said in movies like 13 Cameras.
You Tube
4.5
A solid directorial debut, The Rental invites us to inhabit a space full of dramatic horror.
You Tube
1.5
The plot mechanism is simple enough half the characters are too busy covering up for the crimes they have committed to defend themselves adequately ag ..
The Times
4.5
Michelle doesnt partake that night due to being tired and Josh ends up passing out from too much drinking.
Screen It
4.0
Over 88 vise tightening minutes, The Rental never lets up on your nerves.
Rolling Stone
3.5
Beautifully shot in a spectacular location, this insidious thriller takes the time to establish its characters before throwing them into a nightmare.
Shadows On The Wall
4.5
The Rental isnt good enough to garner awards chatterthe movie does have something to say about privacy, but it doesnt really get around to saying it u ..
Decider
4.5
The Rental isnt good enough to garner awards chatterthe movie does have something to say about privacy, but it doesnt really get around to saying it u ..
Decider
3.5
In Dave Franco and Joe Swanbergs hipster horror flick, the looming threat surrounding a vacationing foursome feels less crucial than the lies they tel ..
Pop Matters
1.5
But as a relationship drama it gets sidetracked and as a horror film it doesnt go full gonzo, except perhaps in the emotional sense.
The Wrap
2.5
Francos directorial debut barely clears the bar for a lazy evening of home viewing.
News Day
3.8
The Rental, out digitally Friday, taps into our worst fears of what could happen during a quiet holiday with heart thumping realism.
New York Post
1.5
Its pretty basic boilerplate, scary movie stuff, with tropes and tricks that have already been extensively satirised elsewhere.
The Guardian
3.5
For instance, Stevens makes Charlie obnoxious enough you wonder whether hes worth rooting for, but you still kind of do; when Bries Michelle finally g ..
Az Central
4.5
Unlike the Swanberg/Duplass brothers joint Baghead, The Rental doesnt have the wit to treat its abrupt tonal shift as a gag.)
Slate
4.5
The Rental feels aesthetically coherent and visually interesting, although it doesnt hold many surprises.
Film Inquiry
3.0
Despite the lack of surprises, this is a well made, polished film which hits harder than most similar works because it knows when to hold back.
Eye For Film
1.5
Dave Francos exasperating horror/thriller, burdened by a disturbing, frustrating conclusion.
Susang Ranger
2.5
Whoever this dude is (the filmmakers dont give a damn, so why should we), he doesnt have even half of the charisma of a Jason Voorhees or a Michael My ..
Observer
2.0
The Rental is certainly entertaining enough to be worth a rental itself, but all of its aspirations to be something beyond that are ineffective and ba ..
Flickering Myth
4.8
And just when it seems The Rental is going to be a romantic drama about a torrid affair that rips friends and families apart, it emerges as a full blo ..
Flim Threet
2.0
The hugely talented star of A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night gives a moving, multi textured performance as Mina.
The Film Stage
3.1
It starts out good and turns out dumb, ditching a promising, nicely suggestive first half for second half payoffs... taking director Dave Francos feat ..
Chicago Tribune
2.5
Charlie and Josh have lingering sibling rivalry problems; Michelle is concerned about Charlies dating past, Josh doesnt think hes good enough to be wi ..
Lyles Movie Files
4.5
A cast like this demands a smart script that doesnt rely on tired tropes of garish gore and lazy jump scares.
Pajiba
3.0
At just 88 minutes, The Rental is an efficient, satisfying thriller with a palpable sense of dread.
Detroit News
4.3
Proves to be one of the most exhilarating debuts to date in the horror thriller genre.
4.4
He doesnt betray the vibe The Rental has carefully established by going to crazytown.
Aisle Seat
2.0
This isnt a tale about victims waiting to be butchered; its about friends and family ready to eat one another.
Consequence Of Sound
4.5
Strasbourg 1518 In 1518, a mysterious dancing plague yes, an epidemic of dancing broke out in Strasbourg, Germany.
Vox
2.5
But then theres the bad version of it thats more interesting for the fact of its implicit biases than for any exploration of the same.
Film Freak Central
0.5
Hes married to a tiresomely fussy Alison Brie, while shes dating Stevens neer do well little brother (Jeremy Allen White).
Maki At The Movies
2.5
Franco showcases interesting techniques that never find the right rhythm... The constant shifting of tone is distracting from what he does well here.
You Tube
4.0
Franco and Joe Swanbergs screenplay is a beautifully shot, Vacancy like voyeurism thriller which drips into a tech savvy slasher, and Francos directio ..
Star Burst Magazine
4.5
A tale built on peoples prejudices, misconceptions and misunderstandings (including the audiences), The Rental may not reinvent the genre or rock your ..
Stuff
4.4
Though it doesnt take pets, Josh insists on bringing his French bulldog Reggie along to be imperiled, much to the dismay of dog lovers everywhere.
Ar Kansas Online
3.0
Although well performed by the cast, this conglomerate of millennials serial cheater Charlie, paranoid pot stirrer Josh, hot headed Mina, and nave Mic ..
Matts Movie Reviews
3.0
It doesnt always work, but it holds your interest long enough to place you in a forgiving mood.
Patriot Ledger
3.8
The Rental isnt so much about surprising you at every turn though it does have its twists as creating an uncomfortable sense of tension.
Big Picture Big Sound
3.5
Up until this point, The Rental doesnt announce itself as a horror movie.
Film
4.4
When the presence of a homicidal maniac is introduced to the proceedings, the transition to horror film is brilliant and wacky and pretty darn great.
Chicago Sun Times
3.5
Franco gets so much from the paranoia of cheating couples and peeping toms that its almost unfortunate when The Rental shifts into formulaic thriller ..
Punch Drunk Critics
2.5
The Rental has your attention rapt, then loses intrigue with rote horror tropes.
Movie Web
4.5
Josh is worried (not wrongly) that hes not smart enough for Mina; Michelle is concerned that Charlie isnt being nice enough to Josh.
The Ringer
3.0
Dave Francos feature directorial debut has a terrific cast and enough genuine chills to be worth a rental itself.
Dead Line
2.0
It features a solid script by indie mumblecore filmmaker Joe Swanburg and a good cast.
Dennis Schwartz Reviews
4.5
Delivering solid thrills and an ugly portrait of disintegrating relationships, The Rental is a clever meld of drama and horror.
Bitly
1.5
Rather than building on the characters moralistic inequities, and relating them to their unknown voyeurist, Franco lets the final act wither.
Polygon
3.0
But theres an indifference to what passes for its set pieces: Beyond one effectively jarring shot of someone racing full speed at a crashed car, the h ..
Film Avclub
3.0
All of the good will from the acting and directing cant overcome a script that feels more like a rough draft than a complete work.
Bowling Green Daily News
2.0
Though thats an admirable sentiment, its ham handedly executed in this genre mash up.
Fresh Fiction
4.5
If Beale Street Could Talk Oscar winner and Watchmen Emmy winner Regina King doesnt make a single wrong move here, however.
Concrete Play Ground
2.5
I dont know what it is about modern horror movies, but the ones Ive seen recently have such a lame slow burn execution that isnt as cohesive as the st ..
Rendy Reviews
3.1
Though it never quite reaches its full potential, its entertaining enough with an engaging cast and a few genuinely creepy moments.
Third Coast Review
2.5
The Rental is an interesting situational effort which would have benefitted from tighter storytelling and better characterization during its prolonged ..
Ion Cinema
3.0
The casting is fine, even though I had expected Franco to give his actress wife Brie a meatier role than a stuffy goody two shoes spouse.
The New Paper
3.3
If youre expecting narrative twists and OMG moments, then this film isnt for you.
Cultured Vultures
2.5
We recognize straightaway that theres a quality to Mina and Charlies interaction thats not entirely platonic.
Datebook Sfchronicle
3.8
But Franco has made a briskly entertaining debut feature, a nice way to spend an escapist summer evening.
Ap News
3.0
The genre bending isnt always the best fit, and the well executed slasher movie moments feel a bit incongruent with the couple drama, although it does ..
Columbus Alive
2.0
These arent big deals, but because nobody says anything about them, we keep waiting for revelations that dont arrive.
Assignment X
3.3
Dave Franco imbues well worn horror tropes with distinctly modern anxieties, capitalizing on the inherently strange dynamic of renting someone elses p ..
Spectrum Culture
1.5
Director Dave Franco internalizes the formal requirements of the horror genre, without fully understanding what those tropes are in service of.
Washington City Paper
1.5
...its all a bit too fleeting in the end since everything happens to such hollow characters.
Battleship Pretension
2.5
Homes in on a recognizable fear, but ... Dave Francos directorial debut racks up the missed opportunities and boringly coasts on conventional sights.
Screen Anarchy
3.1
I cant imagine theres a world without The Rental 2 and maybe more.
Cambridge Day
4.5
You need good actors to have preposterous Jacuzzi makeout sessions and shower affairs.
Entertainment Voice
3.0
The Rental doesnt sell itself out for gore and action either, it takes time to lay a foundation for what is an intense and rewarding third act.
The Only Critic
2.0
Often in horror, less is more, but theres so little to grab hold of here that theres a lack of danger. Its a generic idea devoid of any real suspense ..
Bloody Disgusting
3.0
Often, a movie in which a mysterious threat terrorizes a group can be off putting there isnt much fun to be had watching people getting brutally kille ..
Mac Guff
4.5
Thankfully though, the director and cast (including Francos wife, Alison Brie) dont indulge too much in their performances so much as to distract from ..
Battle Royale With Cheese
1.5
The Rental is a colossal disappointment. There were far too many pointless conversations and loose ends, and the story felt like it had no point. If t ..
Battle Royale With Cheese
1.5
Personally, I didnt find this millennial foursome all that captivating and I certainly could have done without the movies horror elements...
Denerstein Unleashed Blog ..
0.5
Unlike that film, this horror show for the Airbnb crowd isnt in it for yuks and giggles.
Crooked Marquee
1.0
Pleasant being a relative term of course it certainly isnt what Id call an uplifting movie.
Parent Previews
4.5
Suffice to say, the simmering anxieties between our four leads give way to a modestly thrilling but bog standard horror movie ending, externalizing th ..
The Spool
3.8
So, even if it doesnt get the prestige attention of Get Out, Hereditary, Midsommar, and Us (not to focus on Ari Aster and Jordan Peele), it still find ..
Hollywood News
1.5
When the creepiest part of a horror thriller is the closing credits, that isnt a great sign.
The Week
2.0
A paint by number horror thriller. However, it does what it does well enough, knows not to overstay its welcome, and a fantastic cast ensures the film ..
4.0
In Dave Francos new film The Rental, two couples just cant shake the feeling that somethings a little off as their romantic weekender slowly spirals o ..
Dread Central
3.0
The film leaves the racism angle mostly unexplored, and its finale, while satisfying, doesnt flow so easily from the films first half.
Splice Today
3.0
The Rental, a terrifically tangled little nerve rattler of a horror movie, takes that thoroughly modern idea and melds it to some sturdy, old fashione ..
Parade
3.0
Dave Franco impresses with a good eye and style in his directorial debut. An entertaining thriller about relationship problems and the fear of invasio ..
3.1
A slow burn and surprising slasher film. The younger Francos debut in the directors chair will shatter expectations. But the premise is too basic to b ..
1.5
The biggest disappointment is that it feels like theres a really smart idea in there (which comes to the forefront in its freaky final moments) that c ..
Entertainment Ie
4.0
Dave Francos lean, mean thriller The Rental taps into fresh veins of fear and paranoia.
Metro Weekly
4.5
The Rental is an entertaining popcorn flick thats perfect for a cozy movie night at home yours or someone elses.
At Home In Hollywood
3.0
Horror/thriller that relies on the characters declining hold on reality and their increasing fragile minds more than it does jump scares.
Showbiz Junkies
3.0
Okay! What business does a horror flick that reimagines Jason Voorhies as a tech savvy, Yelp conscious, thoroughly modern murder enthusiast have being ..
The Reader (Omaha, NE)
3.0
As if Josh doesnt have enough to live up to, his beloved and brilliant girlfriend Mina (Sheila Vand) is Charlies work partner and the two just really ..
Maddwolf
3.5
While its a film that doesnt quite offer anything we havent seen before, its a tight, tense, and deliciously nasty piece of cinema with a surprising a ..
The Jam Report
3.0
Francos ambitions might not be grandiose, but his ability to trust the viewer in taking his time and not revealing his cards too quickly makes for a d ..
Worldo Free L
3.0
In his debut effort, Dave Franco delivers an admirable thriller that stumbles along the way and ultimately falls away in the third act.
What I Watched Tonight
3.5
As a whole, for his first time at the helm as feature film director, Franco demonstrates that hes got the chops to craft an engaging filmic experience ..
Daily Dead
4.0
This isnt The Usual Suspects wherein everything is meticulously orchestrated in a way that dupes the audience.
Jaredmobarak
4.5
At the very least, theres a new piece of horror iconography out there now that Id love to see again.
4.0
Whatever preconceived notions you might have about the film, The Rental is an anxiety riddled experience of both emotional unease and traditional terr ..
ComicBook.com
4.5
This creates its own set of scares outside what you expect from a horror film.
KCCI (Des Moines, IA)
3.0
Theres a blatant 80s slasher shout out in the last act, and my biggest complaint about The Rental is that it completely whiffs on seeing it through.
Book & Film Globe
3.0
For the most part, directorial debut succeeds by matching genuine frights with characters who are wrestling with their own unnerving inner demons.
Denton Record-Chronicle
3.5
Voyeurism in film isnt always repugnant as the definition of the word indicates.
Awards Watch
1.5
What he doesnt have, at least at this stage, is something to say.
Arts Fuse
4.5
Franco may not debut as a genre master but as the best actors turned directors, he knows how to handle a magnificent set of actors.
Cocalecas
4.0
In addition, at just under 90 minutes, theres no time for filmmaker indulgence.
Reel Reviews
4.5
But the tension truly does work: whether it is sneaky eye contact, careful conversations, simply Dan Stevens eyebrows, or a combination with other fac ..
Ready Steady Cut
3.0
Its safe to say that even if you think you know where The Rental is going, it doesnt end up there.
Movie Show Plus
3.1
How about a hostel Nah, thats impossible after Eli Roths Hostel (2005).
Wtop
3.0
As summer horror films go, THE RENTAL is an effective distraction.
3.1
An effective horror film that slowly builds up a brilliantly tense atmosphere, keeping you at the edge of your seat.
3.8
Josh is a bit of a screw up (he was briefly in jail for assaulting a guy) and he doesnt feel hes worthy of his high achieving girlfriend.
Baltimore Magazine
1.5
A good horror movie can make even the most well worn plot devices seem new again, but The Rental never rises above its basic storyline. Dave Franco ha ..
CultureMap
4.5
The Rental doesnt have an original concept ... Because the dialogue is realistic ... and the acting is better than whats in an average horror movie, i ..
2.0
Its another hung out to dry whodunit...in which you never really learn whodunit.
Film International
4.5
Still, if theres one lesson to be learned here, its check the shower head in your next holiday home before you get undressed.
NME
3.0
Thanks to strong writing and direction and a talented ensemble, all four performers feel like genuine friends and family, and Huss handles Taylors wil ..
Asheville Movies
2.0
Which isnt to say that The Rental doesnt ultimately deliver the slasher flick goods.
4.5
The Rental embraces its premise with full force and mines it with unflinching determination, using it as an entry point into a whole range of narrativ ..
Awfj
3.5
Quarantining at home for the summer doesnt seem like such a bad idea thanks to the films lingering psychological effects.
Cinemacy
2.0
The dislike of characters is something co writer Joe Swanberg has perfected with dramedy flicks Drinking Buddies or Happy Christmas.
Texas Art & Film
3.0
Taylor doesnt back down, and his subtly threatening manner puts the sensitive millennials on edge.
Times Herald
4.5
The horror film genre has evolved into something more than just jump scares and nudity. In the Rental, there are actual story plots that make it bette ..
Pop Culture Leftovers
4.5
Its very well made, and the single location style coupled with some light (and blunt) social commentary is a clear attempt from Franco to create his o ..
1.5
If one character mentions anothers unsavory history with past girlfriends, you better believe its going to come up again.
4.5
Beyond the exquisite characterizations, theres a searing critique of capitalism.
Planet S Magazine
4.5
The Rental recalls Karyn Kusamas The Invitation in tone, but its denouement isnt quite as satisfyingly strange.
Wicked Horror
3.5
It does almost feel like watching two films in one, but that doesnt take away from the overall success.
2.5
Overdramatic plotting is purposeful, but that doesnt mean it works as intended.
WhatToWatch
3.0
doesnt have too many tools in his belt, but he knows how to use those he does possess. Vand and Brie help him out with fine performances.
Box Office Prophets
4.5
Franco has crafted a memorable experience, with a few genuine shocks and bluntly violent moments that demonstrate The Rental means business.
Deep Focus Review
1.5
The setting for the relaxing weekend is magical, but there has to be a fly in the ointment. That fly exists in the guise of the caretaker of the prope ..
Niagara Gazette
1.5
Make no mistakethis isnt to say good movies cant be crafted around shitty people, or that the filmmakers are condoning bad behavior, or that there can ..
3.0
The Rental is far from perfect, but Dave Francos film is an enjoyable and well crafted film and it doesnt outstay its welcome with an 88 minute runnin ..
1.5
If youre going to lock us inside a dumb thriller with attractive people, can you at least make it lurid and lascivious
Critically Ac Claimed
3.8
Dave Francos writing and directing debut The Rental is a psychological horror thriller that will keep you guessing.
Sarahs Back Stage Pass
3.5
What makes this movie stand out is that its main characters are their own real villains. A very effective thriller adapted to the modern era of rentin ..
Seventh Art Studio
4.5
As it stands, the climactic reveal almost feels like an afterthought, and thanks to the films economy of characters there isnt much point in playing w ..
Boston Hassle
1.5
Franco proves adept at directing but his screenplay (co written with mumblecore king Joe Swanberg) is a wash.
Horror Queers Podcast
3.8
Mina remains likable, the dog doesnt become a nuisance, and Taylor is not the drooling hick youd often see in such antagonist roles.
3.5
Charlie isnt convinced and dismissively argues that he doesnt understand how Josh managed to snag Mina.
Gayly Dreadful
3.5
Look I cant say much more than this because The Rental hinges on discovering what exactly is wrong with this wonderful piece of property, and the unde ..
MovieReelist.com
3.0
This 85 minute effort is lean and crisp like an envelope, and just as capable of piercing the skin.
Matt Pais
2.0
Jaws did to swimming in the ocean what The Rental does to staying in Airbnbs...
Cloture Club
3.5
The lead characters arent perfect, in fact, theyre all selfish on many occasions.
1.5
Its a perfect glimpse of what an exciting horror experiment this could have been.
Miami New Times
2.0
Its only sad that Franco doesnt use wife Brie Larsons range to any possible narrative turns.
High on Films
3.5
This isnt a totally satisfying thriller but it is one worth a watch.
HorrorBuzz
3.5
The Rental is horror popcorn entertainment. It doesnt really take any unexpected turns, but seeing how far these characters are willing to go to screw ..
4.5
Playing around in different genres and daringly intertwining slashers with mumblegore, with a healthy dose of brutality, makes The Rental well worth t ..
4.0
What could possibly go wrong If you say everything, you certainly dont need a weatherman to know which way this wind is blowing.
Houston Chronicle
4.5
The beauty of Francos direction isnt from his reliance on your typical slasher tropes.
The CriterionCast
4.5
Horror doesnt always have to be about something big to be affecting or scary or just good.
Comic Years
4.5
First time director Franco neatly accomplishes exactly what he set out to do.
Creators
2.0
If that summary sounds a bit dry, thats because thats how the story comes across.
3.8
A brutal and nasty and chillingly great little horror picture in the same vein as Bryan Bertinos The Strangers.
The Bulwark
1.5
the film did not monopolize well on the interesting and fun set up that it builds making for a frustrating experience.
Backseat Directors
4.5
Now The Rental isnt as inventive as Jordan Peeles feature film debut, Get Out.
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The Rental