Rent-A-Pal (2020)

1990: David, 40, looks after his dementia mom. He uses a video dating service to no avail. He buys a "Rent-A-Pal" video tape and things change.

Director:

Jon Stevenson

Writer:

Jon Stevenson

Stars:

Wil Wheaton, Brian Landis Folkins, Amy Rutledge

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Wil Wheaton	...	Andy
Brian Landis Folkins	...	David
Amy Rutledge	...	Lisa
Kathleen Brady	...	Lucille
Adrian Egolf	...	Diane
Josh Staab	...	Cameraman
Luke Sorge	...	Customer
Olivia Hendrick	...	Susan
Karin Carr	...	Carla
Sara Woodyard	...	Mary
Brandon Fryman	...	Skate City Employee

Storyline

Set in 1990, a lonely bachelor named David (Brian Landis Folkins) searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother (Kathleen Brady). While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal. Hosted by the charming and charismatic Andy (Wil Wheaton), the tape offers him much-needed company, compassion, and friendship. But, Andy's friendship comes at a cost, and David desperately struggles to afford the price of admission.

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Connections

References His Girl Friday (1940)

User Reviews

Expertly made and acted

This small movie hits all the right notes. The story of a single man living in his Mom's basement, lonely and frustrated by his Mom's illness, the film is perfectly cast by actors who are each wonderful in their role, but especially Brian Landis Folkins in the lead. It's the type of performance that the Oscar's would never recognize but should. Recreating an era to perfection when we were all still using VHS tapes , with excellent cinematography, this movie is brutally realistic and expertly written and directed. Jon Stevenson who wrote and directed created a very detail oriented movie and also a very tragic one. If there is a real problem with this movie , it's that the movie is so detailed it doesn't quite move along as it should , at least to be entertaining. The plot is actually very slight and it takes some patience to get to the finale. Ultimately as well crafted as the movie is, it's also very depressing , dark and so realistic in it's portrayal of loneliness and resentment that it's not going to be for everyone. I think it's worth it for the performances alone, but be warned, this is not the feel good movie of 2020.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 2020 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rent-A-Pal

Filming Locations:

Denver, Colorado, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,650, 13 September 2020

Gross USA:

$30,901

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$31,053

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pretty People Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Color:

Color (4K)

Aspect Ratio:

2.4 : 1