Reviews: The Rental (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Subgenres: Cabin in the Woods, Psychological, Survival, Thriller, Home Invasion, Isolation, Mind Bender
HellHorror’s review of The Rental (2020) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
The Rental follows two couples—Charlie (Dan Stevens), Michelle (Alison Brie), Mina (Sheila Vand), and Josh (Jeremy Allen White)—who book a remote vacation rental for a weekend getaway. What begins as an innocent trip turns into a nightmare as they discover hidden cameras in the house, exposing secrets that strain their relationships. As paranoia sets in, the group becomes entangled in a much larger, sinister threat.
The Rental (2020) – A Slow-Burning Thriller with Atmospheric Tension
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film cleverly explores themes of trust, privacy, and surveillance in the digital age. The story also delves into relationship tensions, infidelity, and guilt, making the characters’ personal conflicts just as intense as the looming horror. While these themes add depth, some character arcs feel underdeveloped, particularly in the latter half when the film shifts fully into survival mode.
Acting and Cinematography
The performances in The Rental are strong across the board. Dan Stevens and Alison Brie deliver believable tension as a couple navigating buried issues, while Sheila Vand and Jeremy Allen White bring authenticity to their roles. The naturalistic dialogue and interactions make the drama feel grounded, adding to the suspense.
Visually, the film excels in its use of cinematography. Director Dave Franco (in his feature directorial debut) uses long takes, shadowy compositions, and eerie lighting to build an unsettling atmosphere. The coastal setting, foggy landscapes, and isolated house amplify the film’s claustrophobic tension, making the environment a character in itself.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Dave Franco’s direction leans heavily on slow-burn tension rather than traditional horror. He effectively builds dread through character-driven moments, but the film struggles to fully capitalize on its premise. The first two acts are a gripping psychological thriller, but the final act rushes through horror tropes, leaving some questions unanswered.
The film’s biggest weakness is its abrupt ending. While the final moments are shocking, they lack the catharsis that a slow-burn thriller needs. Additionally, The Rental teases deeper psychological horror but never fully commits, leaving it feeling more like a tense drama with horror elements rather than a full-fledged genre film.
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
The Rental is a well-acted, visually engaging thriller that succeeds in building atmosphere and paranoia. However, its lack of payoff and reliance on familiar horror clichés prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it offers an interesting take on modern fears surrounding privacy and trust, the rushed conclusion leaves some lingering disappointment.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Rental Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.26/10
- IMDB: 5.7/10
- MetaCritic: 6.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/10
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