Dave Franco's directorial debut, The Rental, as both director and screenwriter, arrives at a challenging time for horror films. This genre has changed significantly, branching into various subgenres, which makes it harder to create a truly exceptional horror story. While many terrible horror movies are released each year, I believe the genre is reaching audiences more than ever before, and I think it’s only a matter of time until one wins Best Picture. But does The Rental measure up? It's about as average as it gets. I struggled to find much substance to analyze in this film. The story is quite simple, lacking real complexity. There are four characters with motivations that feel familiar and somewhat generic. Surprisingly, their relationships and the way they navigate romantic connections proved to be the most engaging part of the movie. Despite being predictable, it feels more interesting than it actually is because a key element of the script doesn’t deliver on its promise. The primary (and frankly, only) horror aspect seems like an empty attempt at launching a franchise. Teasing a larger story in the first film isn't inherently bad, but when that tease carries the entire weight of the horror elements, it leaves audiences feeling let down. Viewers expect jump scares and unsettling scenes, but unresolved questions often lead to frustration with the ambiguity. I’d be curious to see a sequel because this initial film establishes an intriguing mystery I would like to see explored and resolved. However, that comes at the expense of the potential follow-up, which essentially uses its entire runtime to introduce the overarching character or element. The Rental adheres to the familiar “friends on vacation where things aren’t what they seem” trope, which doesn't necessarily establish Franco as a director to watch closely in the horror genre. He demonstrates some skill; the unsettling atmosphere is well-crafted, and he allows the actors to play off each other with minimal editing—something I appreciate. Technically, it’s quite good. The film is very dark, but everything remains visible, which is often a problem in this type of horror movie. While the third act might disappoint somewhat, its execution maintains tension and suspense. Dan Stevens and Sheila Vand deliver strong performances, displaying excellent chemistry together. Alison Brie and Jeremy Allen White are also good, though the previous pair steals the show. I wish there were more sequences that felt traditionally scary, even though I appreciate the focus on character relationships and dynamics. Overall, The Rental is a clear attempt to build a new horror franchise, and in that sense, it partially succeeds. If “success” means generating audience interest in a sequel, then the goal was achieved. However, sacrificing the first film of a potential series simply to introduce its main horror element didn’t quite work as Dave Franco may have hoped. In his directorial debut, Franco prioritizes the characters and their relationships, which are undoubtedly the most captivating aspects of the film, thanks in part to a talented cast. Despite some solid technical qualities, the formulaic screenplay and predictable plot developments aren't entertaining enough to fully hold my attention. The many unanswered questions do leave the door open for a genuinely compelling sequel, but this first installment will always feel more like an introduction than a complete movie. If you’re simply looking for a straightforward horror film to pass the time, this one won’t surprise you, but it could be a decent choice for a Saturday night. Rating: C

Source on TMDB