Rent-A-Pal

2020·Movie
1h 48min·NR

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Rent-A-Pal fingerprint

High energy, immersive world, emotionally cool.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Scare6
  • Violence6

Heart

Melancholic and nostalgic

  • Melancholy7
  • Nostalgia7
  • Family Dynamics6

Humor

Some cringe comedy

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Cringe Humor5
  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

The mind, history, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Novelty7

Craft

Standout characters, direction, and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8
  • Acting8

Style

Standout sound design

  • Sound Centrality8
  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

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.
Psychological ThrillerIndie HorrorSocial IsolationRetro 90s AestheticObsession & ControlSlow Burn DreadCharacter StudyUnsettling AtmosphereTechnology & Loneliness

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Rent-A-Pal

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Rent-A-Pal legally?

Rent-A-Pal is included with a subscription to Philo, AMC+, and Sundance Now in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Rent-A-Pal worth watching?

66
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Rent-A-Pal rated?

NRViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.

How long is Rent-A-Pal?

1 h 48 min

Rent-A-Pal runs 1 h 48 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Rent-A-Pal?

Critics65
Audiences68

Yes. Critics average 65 and audiences 68 out of 100, so both groups see Rent-A-Pal much the same way.

What language is Rent-A-Pal in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Rent-A-Pal?

32ARAUBOBRBZCACLCOCRDOECEGGBGF+18

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Rent-A-Pal in 32 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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