The Rental (2020)
October 12, 2022 3:06 PM - Subscribe
Two couples (Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White) on an oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host (Toby Huss) of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister.
Directed by Dave Franco.
Written by Dave Franco & Joe Swanberg, from a story by Mike Demski.
74% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently streaming in the US on AMC+ and Netflix. JustWatch listing.
Directed by Dave Franco.
Written by Dave Franco & Joe Swanberg, from a story by Mike Demski.
74% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently streaming in the US on AMC+ and Netflix. JustWatch listing.
I enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters until the real killer shows up. They had so many opportunities to back out of things, tell the truth, or generally behave like rational human beings, and they just kept doubling down on bad decisions that felt more real compared the usual dumb decisions made in horror movies.
I agree that the "real" horror portion in the third act was lackluster, but it was good enough for me based on the first two acts. I guess I just enjoy Bad Decision Theater.
And I had the same thought about the modem. "Let's look under the house!" Why the hell would it be there? Do they not have internet at home? Weren't they tech people?
Also: The dog lives!
posted by mrphancy at 4:39 PM on October 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
I agree that the "real" horror portion in the third act was lackluster, but it was good enough for me based on the first two acts. I guess I just enjoy Bad Decision Theater.
And I had the same thought about the modem. "Let's look under the house!" Why the hell would it be there? Do they not have internet at home? Weren't they tech people?
Also: The dog lives!
posted by mrphancy at 4:39 PM on October 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
I also found this disappointing. Unidentified killer who just enjoys making killer airbnbs (sorry I had to) just didn't interest me as much as all the dynamics between the characters. Overall not a bad watch but not one I will do again.
posted by miss-lapin at 9:00 AM on October 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by miss-lapin at 9:00 AM on October 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
So I just watched this and came here to say I found it lackluster only to find I had already watched it, commented on it, completely forgot it, watched it again, and had the same exact response.
This is why I use letterboxd now. To keep myself from rewatching stuff I've already forgotten.
posted by miss-lapin at 12:53 AM on April 3 [3 favorites]
This is why I use letterboxd now. To keep myself from rewatching stuff I've already forgotten.
posted by miss-lapin at 12:53 AM on April 3 [3 favorites]
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I'm not mad about it, but it didn't impress me much.
Also, there were weird things the characters did that didn't make sense, like looking through every shoebox in the crawlspace for a modem. I mean... look for wires? Things that plug in won't be in a box.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:08 PM on October 12, 2022 [1 favorite]