Sign up
Trailer

Rent-A-Pal

2020Movie1 h 48 minNR

HorrorThriller
66
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb6.3Metacritic617.6Rotten Tomatoes69%64%

A deeply unsettling, relentlessly bleak horror movie about the mind and history, with standout characters.

Good for friends night · binge-friendly · thought-provoking

Skip it if you need an uplifting mood · you want fast pacing

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for warmth, uplift or comfort.

Movies with

Story

He talks to you. He listens to you. He understands you.

Set in 1990, a lonely bachelor named David searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother. While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal. Hosted by the charming and charismatic Andy, the tape offers him much-needed company, compassion, and friendship. But Andy's friendship comes at a cost, and David desperately struggles to afford the price of admission.

Feels like

  • Psychological Thriller
  • Indie Horror
  • Social Isolation
  • Retro 90s Aesthetic
  • Obsession & Control
  • Slow Burn Dread
  • Character Study
  • Unsettling Atmosphere
  • Technology & Loneliness

Cast

4 of 4

Crew

Directed by
Jon Stevenson
Written by
Jon Stevenson
Produced by
Brian Landis Folkins, Jon Stevenson, Jimmy Weber
Music by
Jimmy Weber

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

October 10, 2020 · 1 h 48 min · NR

Released
October 10, 2020
Runtime
1 h 48 min
Age rating
NR
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language
Genres
Horror, Thriller
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Box office
$31,053
Available in
32 countries

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Rent-A-Pal?"

Questions about Rent-A-Pal

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Rent-A-Pal?

PhiloAMC+KanopySundance Now

In the United States, Rent-A-Pal streams on Philo, AMC+, and Sundance Now, and it is free with ads on Kanopy. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 29 other countries.

Is Rent-A-Pal worth watching?

66
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66 (IMDb 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 61).

Will Rent-A-Pal scare me?

Not scaryTerrifying

At times: scares are rated 6 of 10.

Will I feel good after watching Rent-A-Pal?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for bleakness and 7 for melancholy, against 1 for hopefulness.