The new critically-acclaimed Brendan Fraser film, "Rental Family," opens Feb. 13 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Also opening is "Father Mother Sister Mother," featuring a stacked cast of characters exploring family dynamics.
Set against modern-day Tokyo, "Rental Family" follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging and the quiet beauty of human connection.
"Rental Family" is rated PG-13 and plays through Feb. 19.
Winner of the Golden Lion Best Film prize at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, "Father Mother Sister Brother" is the eagerly-awaited new film from Jim Jarmusch. Funny, tender and astutely observed, this is an intimate exploration of the universal intricacies of family dynamics. Starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat.
Told in the form of a triptych divided into chapters set in New Jersey, Dublin and Paris, each story concerns the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other. Blending remarkable performances from its ensemble cast with Jarmusch’s wry and idiosyncratic observations of everyday life, the iconic indie director’s latest serves as a timely reminder that you can choose your friends and your lovers, but you can’t choose your family.
"Father Mother Sister Brother" is rated R and plays through Feb. 26.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross' website.
