by Shane Conto
Can both the Franco brothers be talented directors? If The Rental is any indication, Dave Franco certainly shows that he is!
When I watched the trailer for The Rental, I wrote it off as a throwaway thriller that did not seem like it would deliver anything new or exciting. But does The Rental deliver anything new or exciting? Not quite. But do you know what it does deliver? Franco delivers a thriller that is expertly created and builds a connection with its characters. Where originality might be lacking, a great and steady directorial hand is shown by Franco. But let’s paint a picture to begin. A man played by Dan Stevens and his (very close) work partner played by Sheila Vand are planning a weekend getaway at a rental property for them and their respected partners (Steven’s wife played by Alison Brie and Steven’s brother played by Jeremy Allen White).
Nothing can possibly go wrong right?
The script (co-written by Franco himself) delivers in the building tension of this group of characters. There is some sexual tension building between Stevens and Vand as both Brie and Allen White begin to crack with their insecurities about their relationships. But let’s throw in a (is he or isn’t he) racist renter that causes some tension with Vand (a Muslim woman) and we surely have an awkward party! The character dynamics work well as they slowly build tension among the characters (with some drugs thrown in as an accelerant). But what else can possibly go wrong on top of all of that? Unexpected discoveries in the rental home cause quite the twist on the story and brings it into a whole new light. The Rental goes out to defy audience expectations and their view of what story they are watching.
In general, this does work from a tension and thrills standpoint even if the story feels like it uses its depth as a red herring.
The anchor that really holds the film together is the group of performances from its leads. Alison Brie is such a talented and underrated actress who gets a chance to shine in this film created by her real-life husband. Dan Stevens is also a talented actor who gets to work with some decent material in this film. Where some films drive his performance into caricature, The Rental allows him to deliver some humanity with a tinge of sliminess. Vand and Allen White come to play along with their bigger-named costars. Vand in fact gets to work with a lot of tension in this film as she navigates some prejudice provided by their renter (portrayed by Toby Huss who brings some essential ambiguity to his performance).
The real star of the film, though, is Dave Franco.
The atmosphere he is able to create through his pacing and the framing of each scene is truly poignant. I felt on the edge of my seat sitting at home in my recliner. Despite all of the possible distractions around in a home theater situation, this thriller drew me in. I was intrigued at every turn and the music was an appreciated “cherry-on-top” that really tied the film together. Even when the story shifts and turns, Franco was able to guide the audience along the way and kept my head focused on the building mystery that surrounds this story. The third act could have benefited from a little more time to breathe from its breakneck pace.
Will I be looking out for Dave Franco’s next venture as a director? I certainly will!
The story shifting focus may not keep everyone, but it still delivers on a more straightforward thriller. The Rental can be seen as a tale of two types of thrillers, but Franco is able to deliver enough on both to make this one worthwhile.
Grade: B+