David (Brian Landis Folkins) is a lonely bachelor who lives at home and takes care of his mom (Kathleen Brady) who has dementia. Hoping to meet someone, David signs up for a video matchmaking service, but so far, hasn’t matched with anyone. One day, while at the matchmakers’ office, he happens to find a video called “Rent-A-Pal” in the bargain bin, and intrigued, buys it. When he first plays the video, David is skeptical of “Andy’s” (Wil Wheaton) offer of “friendship”, but he soon becomes very attached to Andy – even as things seem to be taking a dark turn.
You know those movies where, when it’s over, you just have this feeling of “Um, what did I just watch?” Well, get ready for that, because this movie is …unsettling. Folkins’ portrayal of David’s loneliness and depression is brutally realistic, and as his obsession grows, you really just don’t know – is it Andy, or David’s own obsession? Creepy is an understatement, but wow, the acting was outstanding. If you’re in for psych horror/thrillers, be sure to add this one to your list.
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