Set in 1990 , a lonely bachelor named David (Brian Landis Folkins) searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother (Kathleen Brady). While seeking a partner through a video dating service , he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal . Hosted by the charming and charismatic Andy (Wil Wheaton), the tape offers him much-needed company , compassion, and friendship. But , Andy's friendship comes at a cost, and David desperately struggles to afford the price of admission.