The Rental

Two couples, Charlie and Michelle, and Josh and Mina, book a remote beach house for a celebratory weekend getaway. As the trip progresses, hidden tensions and secrets within the group begin to surface. Their idyllic vacation takes a sinister turn when they discover that the host might have sinister intentions and that they are not alone in the isolated property, leading to a terrifying fight for survival.

The Rental received mixed to average reviews from critics, with some praising its atmosphere and suspense, while others found its plot predictable and underdeveloped. Audiences were similarly divided, with some enjoying the tension and horror elements, while others were disappointed by the lack of originality.

• Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and competent direction by first-time feature filmmaker Dave Franco.

• Criticized for relying on familiar horror tropes and a somewhat predictable narrative arc.

• The film's exploration of jealousy and betrayal among the couples was noted by some reviewers.

Google audience: Google users were split on The Rental. Many appreciated the mounting dread and the film's ability to create tension, finding it a solid thriller. However, a significant portion felt the plot was too derivative of other cabin-in-the-woods or isolated-group horror films and that the character motivations were not always convincing.

Dave Franco's feature directorial debut, The Rental, was filmed in Oregon during the COVID-19 pandemic under strict safety protocols.