We are all socially distancing and unable to contact our friends like we normally would. But what if I told you there was something you could do about it? How would you like to Rent-A-Pal? Just pop in a video and BOOM. You got a best friend for the next hour right in your living room. For lonely bachelor David, Rent-A-Pal was the perfect solution for his loneliness. Only nothing is as it seems. Ahead of its September release, the official trailer and poster for this unsettlingly relevant film have been released!

Synopsis: Set in 1990, a lonely bachelor named David (Brian Landis Folkins) searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother (Kathleen Brady). While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal. Hosted by the charming and charismatic Andy (Wil Wheaton), the tape offers him much-needed company, compassion, and friendship. But, Andy’s friendship comes at a cost, and David desperately struggles to afford the price of admission.

 

To put it simply, this film looks awesome. The trailer makes it fairly obvious what is going to happen in the film, but that doesn’t make it any less enticing. The cast is small, but the performances are big. Brian Landis Folkins and Wil Wheaton completely captivated me for the full 2 minutes and 2 seconds of the trailer and I think it’s safe to say they will be delivering some noteworthy performances. There is just something so gritty and unsettling about this film and I for one cannot wait to watch.

I feel it is my duty to tell you Rent-A-Pal is based on a REAL THING. Rent-a-Friend was a real VHS virtual friend and that video might actually be scarier than this film will ever be. Don’t believe me? Sit in a room by yourself and play it on YouTube. Rent-A-Pal will be released in select theaters (pandemic permitting). The film will also be available on digital and cable VOD September 11. Rent-A-Pal is ready to talk to you… listen to you…understand you…but can you afford it?