Rent Free is a 2024 American comedy drama film directed by Fernando Andrés from a screenplay written by Andrés and Tyler Rugh. The film stars Jacob Roberts and David Treviño as two best friends from Austin, Texas who attempt to go a year without paying rent after a failed move to New York City.[1]

Rent Free
Directed byFernando Andrés
Screenplay by
  • Fernando Andrés
  • Tyler Rugh
Produced by
  • Fernando Andrés
  • Jacob Roberts
  • Temple Baker
Starring
  • Jacob Roberts
  • David Treviño
CinematographyFernando Andrés
Edited byFernando Andrés
Music byAustin Weber
Release date
Running time
93 minutes

Premise

edit

Childhood friends Ben (Roberts) and Jordan (Treviño) plan to move from Austin to Brooklyn, but Ben's misjudged behavior towards their would-be roommate's boyfriend causes them to be kicked out of their new apartment. Back in Austin, the pair work gig economy jobs while living with Jordan's girlfriend Anna. When Anna kicks them out, the pair make a pact to couch surf for an entire year.[2]

Cast

edit
  • Jacob Roberts as Ben
  • David Treviño as Jordan
  • Molly Edelman
  • Neal Mulani
  • Sarah J. Bartholomew
  • Zeke Goodman

Production

edit

Director Fernando Andrés and his cowriter and childhood friend Tyler Rugh previously collaborated on Andrés' 2022 feature debut Three Headed Beast. Preproduction for Rent Free took place in spring 2023 and the project was filmed that July and August. place between July and August 2023. Rent Free was largely shot in chronological order other than the film's opening scenes in New York City, which were filmed after shooting wrapped in Austin.[3]

Release

edit

Rent Free premiered on June 7, 2024, in the U.S. Narrative Competition at the Tribeca Festival.[1][4][5]

Reception

edit

Accolades

edit
Award Ceremony date Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Tribeca Festival 15 June 2024 U.S. Narrative Competition Rent Free Nominated [1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d "Rent Free". Tribeca Festival. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  2. ^ Spilde, Coleman. "'Rent Free' Wants Twentysomethings to Finally Grow the Hell Up". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  3. ^ Andrés, Fernando. "Can a Friendship Survive the Making of a Buddy Comedy?". Talkhouse. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  4. ^ Ntim, Zac. "Visit Films Boards Zachary Quinto Pic 'Adult Best Friends' And Indie Comedy 'Rent Free' Ahead Of Tribeca Debuts – First Look". Deadline. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  5. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray. "Tribeca Festival 2024: Venus Xtravaganza and Linda Perry Docus, 'Griffin In Summer', 'Crossing', 'Rent Free' Among LGBTQ Titles". GLAAD. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
edit