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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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The Rental

The Rental is a 2020 American horror film written, produced, and directed by Dave Franco in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Rental is a 2020 American horror film that serves as the feature directorial debut of Dave Franco. The film follows two couples whose weekend getaway at a rental house turns ominous when they suspect they are being watched.

Plot

The film follows two couples on a weekend trip to a rental house where their relationships are strained and they begin to suspect hidden surveillance. The story develops into a horror-thriller involving secrecy, mistrust, and escalating danger.

Production

The Rental was co-written by Dave Franco and Joe Swanberg, with a story credit shared by Franco, Swanberg, and Mike Demski. Franco also produced the film and made his first feature film as a director.

Release

IFC Films released The Rental in the United States on July 24, 2020, through video-on-demand and a limited theatrical run.

Cast

The principal cast includes Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, and Toby Huss. These actors portray the two couples and the rental house manager.

Key facts

  • The Rental is Dave Franco's feature directorial debut.
  • The screenplay was co-written by Dave Franco and Joe Swanberg from a story by Franco, Swanberg, and Mike Demski.
  • The film centres on two couples who rent a house for a weekend getaway and become suspicious that they are being watched.
  • It was released in the United States on video-on-demand and in select theatres on July 24, 2020, by IFC Films.
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Canadian context

The film is an English-language American horror release that would be of interest to Canadian viewers through the North American streaming and home-entertainment market.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Rental about?
It is about two couples whose weekend stay at a rental house becomes unsettling when they suspect they are being watched.
Who directed The Rental?
Dave Franco directed the film.
When was The Rental released?
It was released in the United States on July 24, 2020.
Who stars in The Rental?
The film stars Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, and Toby Huss.
Is The Rental Dave Franco's first film as a director?
Yes. It is his feature directorial debut.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rental
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, writers, cast, and plot premise.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_rental_2020
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, and streaming release date.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-rental-movie-review-2020
    Supports: Plot characterization and thematic description.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-rental
    Supports: Cast and premise.