Co-written and directed by Dave Franco, with writing help from Mike Demski and Joe Swanberg
Starring Dan Stevens, Alison Brie and Sheila Vand
Running time: 1 hour and 29 minutes
MPAA rating: R for violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexuality.

by Emily Maesar

Here’s something wild and wacky: Dave Franco’s feature directorial debut is kind of a powerhouse.

I didn’t think I’d ever say that. Not because of Dave Franco, though. No, it’s an unfortunate but very true fact that Dave’s career will probably always be compared to his older brother’s. And boy is James Franco’s creative, and possibly personal, drama beyond dark and messy.

However, I’ve always felt like Dave, even when he’s literally doing stuff with James, is much more coherent about the choices he’s making as an actor. Which I think he’s carried into his writing and directing, especially compared to his brother’s endeavors in the same veins. 

The Rental is an indie horror that’s clean and simple. Two couples decide to rent a swanky house in the woods. Charlie (Dan Stevens), his wife Michelle (Alison Brie), his brother Josh (Jeremy Allen White), and his business partner and Josh’s girlfriend Mina (Sheila Vand) make up the two couples. Toby Huss rounds out the cast as Taylor, the guy who’s renting out the place. As the relationships between the four leads get messier and messier, they suspect that Taylor is spying on them. Horror ensues. 

The plot is small and mostly, until they find some cameras in an absolutely terrifying place, interpersonal. Even then, it’s remarkable how much the film plays on the issues between the four characters until the last act when the outside action actually starts compounding. The pace of the unfolding story is well done, especially for a first time director. It’s never boring, or too fast. And, at almost exactly 90 minutes, it manages not to over, or under, stay its welcome.  

Also, I think that I found my new favorite shot in a horror film, one that fills me with absolute dread. A phone in the pitch black has never been so frightening. I’m sure many modern horror films have done this kind of shot, but clearly none of them are this memorable. At least to me. The construction of it within the story and how its discovery plays into the entire final act is masterful. 

I also wanted to mention the acting, which feels especially important given how small this film is. It lives and dies by the performances, and boy does it get to live. Sheila Vand is a stand out and I’m dying to see her in even more stuff. Dan Stevens is the only one whose acting feels slightly out of place, but given his role and character choices… it actually feels like it slots into place perfectly once the story gets rolling. 

Now, if you’re looking for an explanation, you won’t find it in this film. But that very fact, and how it’s done on screen, is a nearly perfect way to end this story. The end montage brings to mind a less interesting horror film, but one that has some genuine scares: The Strangers from 2008. The Rental has “Because you were home” energy, but with more heart than Bryan Bertino’s film managed. 

If you’re jonesing for your horror fix in the middle of summer, then let Dave Franco welcome you to this quaint rental house in the woods.

In select drive-ins and on demand Friday, July 24.