The invention provides gastric residence systems, or components of gastric residence system such as segments or elongate members of gastric residence systems, with release rate-modulating films and methods for making and using such systems. The release rate-modulating films provide good control over release of agents (such as therapeutic, diagnostic, or nutritional agents) present in the gastric residence system. The films also permit higher drug loading in the gastric residence systems and components of gastric residence systems while maintaining good control over release of agents. Some embodiments of the films can provide resistance against burst release of agent upon exposure to alcohol.