Luna Outdoor Opening Night Event: Rental Family

Celebrate the return of our sensational Summer programme of cinema in the Luna Outdoor as we open the season with Rental Family, a wise and whimsical fish-out-of-water comedy that has charmed audiences around the world. Arrive early and ease into the evening with music from RTRFM DJ Nicole Filev, complimentary sushi from Tsuke-ba on arrival, $11 Asahi and Kirin beer specials, cocktail tastings courtesy of Idle Hands Drinks Co., and free samples of Frudi’s frozen organic raspberries double-coated in white and dark chocolate.*

December 4
Luna Outdoor
Doors open: 7:00pm
Film starts: 8:00pm

Oscar winner Brendan Fraser leads the film as Philip, an American actor living in Tokyo who is plagued by a colossal case of impostor syndrome. After seven years in Japan, his greatest claim to fame is a toothpaste commercial in which he appears dressed somewhere between Superman and Gumby. His fortunes shift when he is unexpectedly hired to play a “sad American” at a real funeral, thrusting him into the unusual world of professional surrogacy. Soon he finds himself performing a range of emotional roles for clients navigating some of life’s most challenging moments.

Through Philip’s assignments, we are drawn into the lives of a fascinating array of characters across Tokyo, while also gaining insight into the inner workings of the agency that employs him. Although surrogate work appears to help everyone involved, complications quickly arise, and Philip becomes entwined in ways he never anticipated. As he stumbles, adapts and overreaches, he is ultimately confronted with the most difficult role of all: being himself.

Directed by HIKARI (37 Seconds), the film blends sharp humour with poignant cultural observation, echoing the gentle dislocation of stories like Lost in Translation while offering a uniquely Japanese perspective. Fraser delivers a performance that balances playfulness and emotional depth, supported by a stellar ensemble of Japanese actors including Takehiro Hira. With its luminous visuals and generous heart, Rental Family is a cinematic love letter to Tokyo and a compelling showcase for HIKARI’s rising talent.

Rental Family was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 and the Adelaide Film Festival 2025. Join us for a warm Summer night of film, flavour and celebration as we launch the season beneath the stars.

*While stocks last.