THE RENTAL (2020) REVIEW
2020 has been a bold year for horror films to say the least; I mean – we are quite literally living in one. Relic, She Dies Tomorrow, and Possessor have all been relatively unique films to enter the genre – each attempting and reaching some level of thematic scope not typically found in the genre (though this seems to be changing). Introspection is not a facet common in most “mainstream” horror films but the tides seem to be shifting as these contemporary horror films seem to constantly be blurring the lines of “horror” and “psychological thriller.” And I’m all for it.
If you told me, last year, that Dave Franco would be making his directorial debut in 2020 with a slasher film – I’d call you on your bluff and ask you to kindly leave my home immediately. But it’s 2020 now. And stranger things have definitely happened. And to be honest – The Rental isn’t terrible. As a horror film – it may not bring much new to the table but it properly executes its premise in an eerie slow-burn fashion that, unlike its characters, doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Overall, though the script is certainly the weakest part of the film, the talented cast really pulls its weight to almost make you forget about the occasionally cringe-inducing dialogue. Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand all give solid performances and genuinely do have chemistry with one another.
Essentially – both couples (Brie/Stevens and White/Vand) decide to take a weekend getaway using an “AirBnB” type app. The tension arises however when we see that Charlie (Stevens) is having an affair with Mina (Vand) due to them having a history working at the same company. Oh – and to add more to the character dynamics, Josh (White) and Charlie are brothers. So, why take the risk of taking a vacation together – sexual tension and all? Beats me. But hey – it’s definitely the premise of a “classic slasher” film if I’ve ever heard one.
The film’s horror elements really come to life in the slow burn type of tension that occurs for a majority of the film. So if you are looking for a fast-paced “jump scare” infested horror film to get drunk and watch with the boys – you’re better off looking somewhere else. This is a film that builds its tension throughout, to varying levels of succession, finally letting go at the climax to really bring the “slasher” part home. And the payoff at the end is quick and right to the point; though only one character death really stuck with me due to how well it was actually executed.
The Rental is a film that doesn’t reach great heights because honestly – it doesn’t feel like its trying to. And that’s perfectly okay. Dave Franco does a solid job in his directorial debut and maybe in his sophomore effort – he will get a sense of finetuning his project to truly realize its full potential. But for fans of the genre, The Rental is a solid film I can definitely recommend if you know what you’re getting into.
