The Rental – Review

This small-cast yet fully devious horror flick is both a very solid thriller and an ugly look at relationships. Brothers Charlie (Stevens) and Josh (White) take their respective girlfriends Michelle (Brie) and Mina (Vand) to a remote rental AirBnB to celebrate Charlie and Mina’s recent business success. The house is gorgeous, and the plans are set: eat, drink, hike, explore, hot tub, do drugs, party and relax.

Charlie and Michelle look to strengthen what appears to be a rewarding relationship, and little brother Josh tries to convince himself that he deserves the smart and competent Mina, who also happens to be his accomplished brother’s business partner. Mostly they all just try to survive the hangovers they give themselves after a night of drinking and MDMA.

What should be a stellar time for all starts unravelling due to multiple factors. Relationship issues arise; however, these are compounded by what appears to be something more sinister found hidden in the house. Tensions boil over, secrets are exposed, and drastic measures are taken.

This virtually one-location film has a quick enough moving script to keep things interesting and tense. Many of the situations presented feel very realistic, and the couples’ dramas give the characters authentic distractions from a potential horrific situation to find themselves in. While some of the characters may not be that sympathetic, the authenticity of the danger should hit home for all vacation travelers.