We’re all looking for connection, especially from broken or absent relationships. We want a way to fill that hole, save face, or present something different to the world. What if there was an agency to make the possible? And what if the brokenness that’s healed wasn’t just for the clients?

That’s the premise behind Rental Family, a new film that opens Friday. In it, a man who is looking for purpose finds that by filling holes in the lives of people looking for connection. It’s a beautiful idea and one that provides some hope during the holiday season.

In the film, Phillip (Brendan Fraser), is an American actor living in Japan. He’s struggling to find enough work. He has a few notable parts, but he hasn’t found his true calling. It’s a lonely, somewhat solitary existence.

Until he finds a new opportunity. A local company that provides rental performers to those who need a stand in for significant others or missing family needs a “sad American.” Phillip fits the bill. While his first few jobs are awkward, he eventually gets the hang of it. He finds a place he can ply his skills and make a difference.

Soon, he’s paired with a young girl, Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman), who is in need of a father to help her get into a better school. Mia’s mother (Shino Shinozaki) hires Phillip to play the role. But as he begins to bond with Mia, he begins to see his new job as something more than a performance. When he gets an opportunity for his big acting break, he’s forced to consider if he’s already found a place where he really belongs.

This film comes from writer/director Hikari, who previously worked on the series Tokyo Vice and Beef. She does a nice job of creating a world and a story here. There are some nice emotional beats and an interesting journey through a place—and profession—that you don’t often see featured.

Fraser does a nice job in the lead role. He’s a deeply expressive actor, which works well in this situation. The film really soars when we’re investing in Phillip’s journey, and the way he engages those around him.

It’s a clever premise and one that feels right for this time of year when people are lonely, missing family, and seeking connection. Parts of it are beautiful. Some of the shots and sequences are beautiful. But it feels a little disjoined, which causes it to drag at times. I enjoyed the premise, and it’s a decent enough watch, but it fails to truly take off with the premise.

Rental Family is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.