Rent-A-Pal

Watch Rent-A-Pal

  • NR
  • 2020
  • 1 hr 48 min
  • 6.3  (5,753)
  • 61

Rent-A-Pal is a psychological thriller film that was released in 2020. The movie is set in the year 1990 and tells the story of a lonely man named David, played by Brian Landis Folkins. David is in his 40s and still lives with his mother, who is suffering from dementia. He spends his days taking care of her, but yearns for a connection with someone his age.

David discovers a video dating service and decides to try it out in hopes of finding a companion. However, his luck is not great, and he ends up with a tape filled with ads that don't suit his interest. But in one of the tapes, he finds a video of a man named Andy (played by Wil Wheaton) advertising Rent-A-Pal, a video program that allows users to interact with an artificial friend. With nothing else to do, David decides to give it a try.

The program comes with a VHS tape and a cassette that contains the voice of Andy, who is kind, empathetic, and listens intently to what David has to say. The interactions between David and Andy become more intense, as their conversations evolve from general subjects to more specific ones, where Andy shows clear interest in David's personal life. Slowly, David's life is turned upside down as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the friendship he's formed with Andy. David's mind starts to spiral as he spends more and more time in front of the television, talking to the AI character, and less time taking care of his mother.

As the story unravels, David begins to lose touch with reality, confusing his connection with Andy as something real. He finds comfort in Andy's seemingly genuine words and actions, which becomes painfully evident when he attempts to act on the advice that Andy has given him. Andy's suggestions lead David down a dark path, one that he wouldn't have pursued without his Rent-A-Pal. David is drawn into an intense and dangerous world of obsession, leading to tragic events that are both shocking and disturbing.

The cinematography of the film is impressive, with the ambience of David's house being grim and dull, highlighting his tedious existence. David's mother's room is full of memories, but its light is fading. The contrast in ambiance speaks to David's eternal hunger for companionship and care.

The performances of the cast are noteworthy, with Brian Landis Folkins stealing the show as the protagonist of the movie. He portrays the character's loneliness and desperation for friendship with intensity and ease, creating an authentic picture of someone searching for love in a world that doesn't have much to offer.

Rent-A-Pal is a movie that raises questions about the consequences of modern digital life, especially social media and AI technology. The film shows how real-life connections can be substituted with virtual ones, and how the desire for friendship and a connection can lead people down paths that have life-changing consequences.

In summary, Rent-A-Pal is a gripping psychological thriller that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. It's an excellent movie for those who enjoy cerebral, thought-provoking stories that deal with themes of loneliness, desperation, and the human need for connection. David's journey in the film is an exploration of the human psyche, and the effects of modern technology on personal relationships.

Rent-A-Pal is a 2020 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 61.

Rent-A-Pal
Description
Where to Watch Rent-A-Pal
Rent-A-Pal is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Rent-A-Pal for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2020
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 48 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (5,753)
  • Metascore
    61