When watching such films, you are kept glued to the screen because you want to know who's doing all this and why. And when you find out it's a nameless, faceless person with no motive whatsoever, other than this being his hobby/full time passion, it renders the whole movie a waste of time.
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ravenclaw_girlrules2 April 2022Interpersonal drama was more engaging than the horror elements. Tension was well woven. Setting was beautiful and the acting was above average for B horror.
Ending was not creative enough. At first, it looked like the twist was that the villain killed them all to keep their dog, which would've been hysterical. Instead, it was just a psycho who regularly hijacked rentals to kill the guests, with no motivation at all. How dull.
Also, everyone dies endings in horror are stale. They're very low effort - you just kill everyone. Not to mention, most of the characters were intentionally gray/unlikeable, so who cares if they die? There are also some plot conveniences here i.e. Noticing a pretty obvious camera only after cheating, so you can't tell anyone. -
TheTexasChainstoreManager26 July 2020A generic, pointless and anticlimactic movie that fizzle out into nothingness. It always amazes me when people get a shot at making a full length movie (in this case, Dave Franco) and when they don't have anything new or good to bring to the table. Then why even bother? A waste of money, time and talent (Stevens and Brie.)
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Gordon-112 August 2020There is suspense and some mystery, but the ending doesn't answer any questions.
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Two brothers and their significant others spend a weekend in a beautiful beachfront villa. What could possibly go wrong?
Dave Franco does a decent job for a first time director. The Movie is beautifully shot, atmospheric and moody as all hell. The cast is awesome, I always enjoy Dan Stevens and he's a delight here, but so is everyone else. I almost loved this movie but sadly the whole thing falls apart in the third act. Its as if a tense thriller is interrupted by a slasher film and its as abrupt and awkward as it sounds. That said the movie does not go where you expect it to and it is shocking and surprising. -
85122219 January 2021Greetings from Lithuania.
"The Rental" (2020) is a nice little drama thriller flick. It is by any means a horror movie - do not be fooled. It plays more like a soup drama to be honest. I liked performances in this movie, especially by Dan Stevens and Sheila Vand. Set up was not original, but I bought it - i was into. But its the third act that kinda felt off for me. I liked this movie way more before the third act - I was involved into these characters story and then it just kinda did not deliver it for me at the end. There is a great idea somewhere done here, unfortunately it was not delivered in this movie fully. -
objviewer11 April 2021How did this silly attempt at slasher type horror/thriller movie get such high ratings?
Started out promising. And this movie could have been interesting as a psychological drama looking at relationship dynamics in two morally vapid couples. Or even as an examination of latent racism.
But the plot turns are so absurd as to be comical. You've got the two couples standing on the porch having a debate about what to do next, while a man lies, unattended, bleeding, seriously hurt, in the bathtub. Then, for the remainder, there's more consternation over an infidelity than having killed a guy! Talk about moral priorities. For a movie like this to work have to care a little about the people being stalked.
Kept waiting for some plot turn at the end that would redeem this movie. Like maybe it was all a dream of one of the characters, reflecting her anxiety about her relationship. But sadly, just failed, manipulative dumbness. -
It was decently directed by Dave Franco and the cast is great but the writing is a bit meh. I will never understand why people like to hide bodies, avoid cops, get crazy over hidden cameras but also not want to solve the situation. So many things could have gone better but the characters are always dumbed-down for "entertainment" or "story progression". Also who murders someone (or believe they murdered someone) and gets rid of the body but then gets upset over their partner cheating? Like hello your short temper just almost killed someone and you are ready to fight again like have you not learned your lesson? He easily would have killed his brother and girlfriend and dumped their bodies too with that short temper of his.
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lindamokey-285-9787223 April 2021This movie had potential. There were some obvious horror tropes: deserted house, surly landlord, etc. You get to know the couples and the dynamic isn't so rosy. Infidelity happens, drug-taking happens, dogs disappear, a creepy locked room is discovered. There is a POV shot of someone watching the house and heavy breathing.
Then things go downhill. The couples suspect they are being spied on...the jacuzzi conveniently breaks, necessitating a visit from the surly landlord, who promptly gets beaten senseless. They introduce a mysterious stranger, dressed in black, who finishes him off. The couples think it's their fault and try to throw the body off a cliff. Smart choice. Footage of the infidelity (which conveniently takes place in a shower that has a camera) flashes up on the screen, causing the scorned woman to flee and be killed by the mysterious stranger, who then sends texts luring her husband to her location. Guess what? He is promptly killed, too.
The mysterious stranger, in a sfx old-man mask, polishes off the other couple, dismantles the surveillance system and starts to take off the mask, but...denied! The camera cuts away. You can tell the guy is young, though. His silhouette walks to the balcony and in runs the missing dog, who does the best acting in the movie, looking apprehensive and confused.
Finally, the young mysterious stranger is being shown another glamorous home by a realtor, who gives him the keys. He makes a copy of the key and sets up the surveillance system. Then he waits on the couch with his old-man mask and black clothing on. As the credits come up, a montage of surveillance footage is shown: people watching TV, sitting on the toilet, cooking. Finally, a person is shown sleeping and the mysterious stranger suddenly runs toward the bed. Cue spooky music.
There. I just saved you and hour and a half. -
otnememento-224 July 2020Way better than the ratings. It keeps the intrigue for the first part and the rest has a good rhythm. Pretty decent directing by Franco. I don't see it lower than at least a 6. It is one of the lowest ratings compared to the quality of the film I have seen in my whole life.
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xbenx-7835225 July 2020I wanted to like the movie, but sadly it's been done before and better with the movies in my title. That said the cast is great, I think Dan Stevens is one of the best actors around.
So In my opinion it just doesn't do anything new and the ending was also poor, let's hope Mr Franco can come back with something a little more original next time. -
parasolspetticoats21 September 2020I just watched the Rental and I liked it even more than I expected. I saw the meager rating on here before I started the movie and I went in with low expectations, but I was more than surprised, especially with the ending..
As soon as the credits rolled I knew, clearly, why people have an issue with this movie. It did two things that turn off mainstream audiences, but I actually find refreshing. 1. It took its time and developed characters, whether you found them likable and care whether they live or not, is subjective. 2. The ambiguous ending. There was also a third component; not a storytelling device, but a plot point and turn in the story. 3. Why wouldn't you just own up to cheating and call the police immediately?
"Who was he?!!" Why do we need to know anything about him or why he does what he does? Isn't that more frightening? Did we need confirmation that he did, in fact, have a heinous childhood? I think it was clear that this person is a psychopathic murderer that preys for pleasure and sport. The faceless killer (and winner in the end!) doesn't need more story. If you were secretly observed, stalked, mentally tortured and ultimately murdered by a masked person, you would never know who they were or why they did it.
Some people say, "it's slow and went nowhere." I disagree. We got to know the characters, infer their personality types, and see their strengths and weaknesses. Why didn't Charlie & Mina come clean, admit their mistake and save the day? I don't know, maybe they're self-centered narcissists? Sometimes unrealistic decisions can be picked apart as a plot failure, but in this case I think that's just who those people were. They'd rather gamble and protect their assumed respective appearance. You don't have to like and respect all characters.
Also, they did a great job capitalizing on a contemporary trope with Airbnb. This may have already been used in another movie at this point, but I thought it was a great choice, especially for a confined horror film. How much is staying in a strangers home worth it for the price and location?
Great job, Dave Franco. I was skeptical but I'd definitely check out another horror flick he does. -
After reading all those negative reviews I can only come to the conclusion there are a lot of quickly unsastified people on earth. I don't what they expect from a horror thriller like The Rental. I thought that for this genre it was a pretty decent movie. It won't win prizes or so but it's certainly entertaining. There is some good tension building and the acting wasn't bad either. I only know Jeremy Allen White from the excellent series Shameless, the rest of the cast was unknown to me but they all did a decent job. As for the horror it's mild but yet effective. All in all it wasn't a bad movie, certainly better than I expected for a movie in this genre.
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mvezok2 August 2020The first half was about relationships that I couldn't care less about, and the other half some sterile killings, like slaughtering animals. And once again no conclusion. What is the director trying to do? Propaganda against Airbnb, so that people use agencies and pay their taxes?
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george.schmidt2 September 2020THE RENTAL (2020) *** Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, Toby Huss, Anthony Molinari. Actor Dave Franco makes a fine directorial debut (and co-wrote the screenplay with fellow filmmaker Joe Swanberg and Mike Demski) in this horror film about two young couples on a weekend vacation for a celebration that eventually downward spirals when they learn their rental is being spied upon. While relying on genre tropes (fog, wide shots to see something just on the horizon lurking, a pet in peril etc.) the story takes its time from a complex character study into full on terror with surprising restraint in say gore or exploitation. Familiar yet receptive.
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shawthingproductions5 December 2020Dave Franco doesn't bring anything new to the horror genre with his feature film directorial debut (which he also wrote) but he does provide an entertaining hour and a half (give or take) in this film about two couples who have booked into an AirBnB type property, only to discover a number of hidden cameras around the building.
Acting is decent enough and another good film for Dan Stevens' ever growing resume. Take this film as intended (a fun thriller - popcorn movie) and you will be entertained enough. Go in looking for the deep and meaningful and you'll hate it.
Ignore the reviews stating it is "pointless" - they clearly expected too much. -
brettacarson26 January 2021Don't waste your time. This movie lacks any characteristics that constitute good storytelling. There's no character development, the plot is simple...I can't be bothered adding anymore, much like the folks involved with this cheesy production.
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Sleepin_Dragon12 February 2021I liked this, having found many horrors in the slasher/mystery genre pretty disappointing in recent times, this was pretty decent. It's definitely flawed, so don't expect masses of tension, or any scares, but overall, it's solid.
The one criticism I'd have, is that it's so slow to open up, that's the major issue with this film, you're waiting for an hour for the fun to start. The last half hour of the film is the best part, it is really good, and surprising.
There are a few twists, and it does a god job at misdirecting you, a second would definitely work.
I have to say though, Dan Stevens, is this really what you're going to be doing from now on in? You're better than this.
Check out the actor under that mask, Anthony Molinari, a shame that face was hidden away for so long.
If you enjoyed The Strangers, I think you may enjoy this.
Pretty good overall, 7/10. -
Personally very much disliked the ending, would've rather seen some more story to it. Also poor Michelle.
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davidjkobb19 June 2021You're going to see a lot of reviewers complain about the ending. I can't state this without coming across as a pompous ass, but those viewers are often unsophisticated and can't handle ambiguity. There's no reason to have a black and white, spoon fed explanation for everything. This is especially true when it comes to a serial killer. Some people are just whacked in the head and kill. There is no good reason, there is no explanation to the victims before the slaughter. They just kill.
This film has great dialogue, good acting, good directing, some decent tension. I do wish it was scarier, and I wouldn't really call this a horror, more of a drama with horror elements. It's far from a perfect movie, but it's better than the average reviewer gives it. -
whitedragon20226 February 2022The cast caught my eye when I first came across the title. And I foolishly thought maybe this would be a fresh take on the 'vacation' thriller setting. Unfortunately it was not worth the time.
*spoiler* Luckily the dog made it, so that was nice. -
ersguterraul14 August 2021First off I have rarely seen a movie so underrated.
My review starts spoiler free.
This movie is an absolute gem.
It has very good camera work with a lot of amazing shots.
The filming style really feels progressive, almost futuristic.
The cast is absolutely solid.
We get to see well built characters with a lot of depth and personality, something very rare in modern cinema.
The whole script is nearly flawless.
I could not find a single plot hole in the movie which I have to say is very impressive for a debut of an director.
One of the things I liked the most was its realism. The characters make bad decisions, but unlike most other horror movies, their decisions are relatable and they have to face their bitter consequences.
Warning, minor spoilers ahead...
The movie blends the genres very well.
On the one hand we have a slow burning psycho-thriller, on the other hand we get a almost classic slasher-finale.
Especially the slasher part felt really original whilst being in classic-style.
The great camera work makes the finale very tense and the realsim makes it feel very raw.
After that the audience can cool down with an explanatory epilog.
I don't get the low star ratings, as someone who has seen every horror movie with an imdb over 5 I can't imagine giving this less than 6*.
But I can understand that this intelligent movie might be too much for some people. -
Toby Huss and Alison Brie were in it, which makes this another classic. But if they weren't in it, I would've really hated it. However, I only moderately hated it.
Writing was so nonsensical, sorry-not-sorry Dave Franco, but this was a major L. (However, Brie's spouse being the writer adds another whole layer of hilarity to this movie.) Didn't sympathize with any of the characters and unfortunately hated Mina from the get-go, even though she was suggested to be the lead.
Dialogue was very unnatural. The characters didn't make decisions because they were humans with their own motivations or because they possessed rational reasoning skills. They made choices because that's what the plot called for, leaving the four leads very two dimensional.
I did guess that the dog was gonna be the final girl which was pretty funny. -
The premise is interesting and the cinematography is good if understated. The story is a variation of others we've seen before. I'm sure that may detract for some but I don't mind twists on an existing idea. But the characters, ugh! I usually don't need to like the characters to enjoy a movie, but when a movie is so character-centric, it can detract, and in this case it did for me. Also, the ending implies something that seems implausible. I will have to Google to see if I can find any rationale for it.
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jonasatmosfera26 July 2020My oh my...
The beginning is kinda OK despite the unpleasant characters and the empty dialog. But it takes a long time for anything to happen, and when it happens it is so cliched and anticlimatic one wonders what the writer was thinking about.
The ending is one of these facepalm moments when one realizes that one has wasted precious time on a bland, toothless, generic pseudo horror film.
"The Rental" is a semi-slasher film where instead of idiot teenagers being killed one by one after doing stupid things we have four woke grown ups being killed one by one after doing stupid things. The difference is that in "The Rental" all the killings occur in the third act.
It is not worth your time.