A getaway goes to hell in The Rental, the feature debut of co-writer/director Dave Franco.
It’s a familiar setup: two couples find a secluded house to stay at for a weekend, and with the exception of the weird property owner, the first day goes well. It’s only when night falls that things start getting sinister. A hidden camera alerts them that they may not have picked the best place to stay, and pretty soon they find themselves under siege and fighting for their lives. You know, basically the opposite of a relaxing weekend.
This looks to be a slick little horror/thriller, not exactly breaking the mold but done with an eye towards efficiency. It should be a good test run for actor-turned-director Franco, who’s only previous experience director or writing is in a handful of comedy shorts. If that makes you wary, then rest assured that he’s got help in the writing department by old hat Joe Swanberg.
And as always, those extensive acting connections means he landed some great performers in from of the camera. Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand are the couples scrambling for their lives while the great Toby Huss is the strange property owner.
With that cast and reliable setup, hopefully, Franco will be able to deliver the scares.
The Rental is directed by Dave Franco and stars Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand. It will be released in the US in theaters and on-demand July 24th, 2020. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think this will bring the scares? Let us know in the comments!
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