Rent-A-Friend 1987
"He talks to you. He listens to you. He drinks with you. He even lends you money."
Step into a quirky slice of 1980s culture with *Rent-A-Friend* (1987), a micro-documentary that blurs the line between entertainment and social experiment.
Director: Ben Hollis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rent-A-Friend (1987) about?
*Rent-A-Friend* is a short documentary that introduces Sam, a paid companion available to chat, drink, or lend a hand whenever loneliness strikes. Released in the late 80s, the film plays like a time capsule, blending humor with a touch of melancholy as it explores the idea of manufactured friendship in an increasingly isolated world.
Who directed Rent-A-Friend?
The film was directed by Ben Hollis, who also stars in the documentary.
Who stars in Rent-A-Friend?
The main cast includes Ben Hollis, who steps into the role of Sam, the titular rentable friend.
Is Rent-A-Friend (1987) worth watching?
Whether *Rent-A-Friend* is worth your time depends on your taste for quirky, experimental documentaries. It's a fascinating artifact of 1980s media culture, offering a mix of humor and social commentary. If you're curious about niche films that push boundaries, it's worth a watch—but don't expect a traditional narrative experience.
How long is Rent-A-Friend?
The runtime of *Rent-A-Friend* is 43 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Rent-A-Friend (1987) — The Quirky 80s Documentary That Rented Companionship
Step into a quirky slice of 1980s culture with *Rent-A-Friend* (1987), a micro-documentary that blurs the line between entertainment and social experiment. Directed by Ben Hollis himself, this 43-minute VHS curiosity offers a unique glimpse into an era when personal connections felt increasingly mediated by technology. The film follows Sam, a charming and attentive companion whose sole purpose is to provide companionship—whether over drinks, heartfelt conversations, or even a quick loan. At its core, it's a time capsule of loneliness and human connection, wrapped in the unmistakable aesthetic of VHS-era filmmaking. The atmosphere is equal parts nostalgic and surreal, reflecting a moment when the idea of renting friendship felt both absurd and oddly relatable.
*Rent-A-Friend* (1987) isn't just a movie; it's a cultural artifact that challenges viewers to ponder the nature of friendship in a rapidly changing world. While the concept may raise eyebrows today, Hollis' film embraces its eccentricity with a lighthearted, almost whimsical tone. It's a snapshot of a time when innovation in media meant exploring uncharted territory—even if that territory was simply your living room couch.