The Rental (2020)

Introduction:

"The Rental" is a horror-thriller movie directed by Dave Franco and produced by his brother James Franco. It was released in July 2020 and stars Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, and Jeremy Allen White. The movie revolves around two couples who rent a vacation home for a weekend getaway, only to discover that their host is spying on them and that they are not alone in the house. The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising it for its tension and suspense, while others criticized it for its predictability and lack of originality. In this article, we will take a closer look at the movie and analyze its strengths and weaknesses.

Plot Summary:

"The Rental" follows two couples, Charlie and Michelle, and Josh and Mina, who rent a luxurious vacation home for a weekend getaway. The house is owned by a man named Taylor, who is also the brother of Mina. As soon as they arrive, they notice that Taylor is not very welcoming and seems to be hiding something. They also notice that there are hidden cameras installed in the house, which makes them uncomfortable. Despite their reservations, they decide to stay for the weekend and try to enjoy themselves.

As the night progresses, tensions rise between the couples, and they begin to suspect that they are not alone in the house. They discover that someone has been in their rooms and has tampered with their belongings. They also notice strange footprints outside the house and hear strange noises coming from the basement. Things escalate when Mina finds a hidden camera in the shower, and they realize that Taylor has been spying on them the whole time.

The situation becomes even more dangerous when they discover that there is someone else in the house, and they must fight for their survival. As the night progresses, secrets are revealed, and the characters must confront their own demons and face the consequences of their actions.

Analysis:

Characters:

One of the strengths of "The Rental" is its well-developed characters. Each character has their own distinct personality and backstory, which makes them relatable and interesting. Charlie is a successful businessman who is dealing with a drug addiction and is struggling to keep his life together. Michelle is his supportive girlfriend who is trying to help him but is also struggling with her own insecurities. Josh is Charlie's brother, who is married to Mina, and is dealing with his own relationship issues. Mina is a strong and independent woman who is trying to start her own business but is constantly facing discrimination and sexism. These characters are well-acted and have good chemistry with each other, which makes their interactions feel natural and authentic.

Themes:

The movie touches on several themes, including trust, betrayal, and surveillance. The characters are forced to confront their own trust issues, both with each other and with themselves. They are also betrayed by someone they thought they could trust, which adds to the tension and suspense. The theme of surveillance is also prevalent throughout the movie, as the characters are constantly being watched and monitored by Taylor and his accomplice. This theme adds an element of paranoia and distrust, which makes the movie more suspenseful and unsettling.

Pacing:

One of the weaknesses of the movie is its pacing. The first half of the movie is slow and takes a while to build up tension and suspense. The characters spend a lot of time arguing and bickering, which can be tedious and repetitive. However, the second half of the movie picks up the pace and becomes more thrilling and suspenseful. The tension builds up steadily, and the climax is well-executed and satisfying.

Cinematography:

The cinematography in "The Rental" is excellent and adds to the atmosphere and mood of the movie. The movie is set in a remote and isolated location, and the cinematography captures the beautiful scenery of the surroundings, as well as the dark and ominous interior of the house. The camera work is well-crafted and adds to the tension and suspense, especially during the scenes where the characters are being watched and followed.

Sound Design:

The sound design in "The Rental" is also well-done and adds to the atmosphere of the movie. The music and sound effects are used to great effect, especially during the scenes where the characters are being chased and attacked. The sound design creates a sense of dread and fear, which makes the movie more intense and scary.

Predictability:

One of the criticisms of "The Rental" is its predictability. The plot is fairly straightforward, and the twists and turns are not particularly surprising. The audience can guess who the villain is early on, and the movie follows the typical tropes of the horror-thriller genre. However, the movie still manages to be entertaining and suspenseful, despite its predictability.

Conclusion:

"The Rental" is a solid horror-thriller movie that delivers on tension and suspense. The well-developed characters, excellent cinematography, and sound design make the movie enjoyable to watch, despite its predictability and slow pacing. The movie touches on several themes and creates a sense of paranoia and fear, which makes it unsettling and scary. While it may not be the most original or groundbreaking movie in the horror genre, it is still a good movie that is worth watching for fans of the genre.