Subject (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Subject is a 2023 documentary directed by Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera, starring Kirsten Johnson, Arthur Agee and Bing Liu. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $27,205 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2022. Critics gave it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 37m (97 min)
- Directors
- Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lady & Bird Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Subject About?
The premise of Subject without spoilers.
This film examines the complex and sometimes troubling consequences of appearing in documentaries. Through stories drawn from acclaimed films like The Staircase and Hoop Dreams, it explores how sharing personal experiences can lead to unexpected repercussions and blurred lines between truth and celebrity. It raises questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the impact on those whose lives are portrayed on screen.
Subject Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- secret
Subject Cast
Kirsten Johnson leads the cast, with Arthur Agee and Bing Liu. Directed by Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera; 14 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Camilla Hall
- Co-director Jennifer Tiexiera
-
Kirsten Johnson as themselves -
Arthur Agee as themselves -
Bing Liu as themselves - Mukunda Angulo as themselves
Also Starring in Subject
· 10 more- Ahmed Hassan Themselves
- Elaine Friedman Themselves
- Jesse Friedman Themselves
- Assia Boundaoui Themselves
- Caroline Libresco Themselves
- Thom Powers Themselves
- Patricia Aufderheide Themselves
- Sonya Childress Themselves
- Valerie Complex Themselves
- Rebecca Day Themselves
More from Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera
More films directed by Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera: Rebbeca, Speak., P.S. Burn This Letter Please and Copwatch.
Subject Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Subject 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in sensory experience (72).
Subject Echo Score Breakdown
Subject delivers a thought‑provoking examination of documentary ethics, anchored by incisive interview snippets and a cohesive editorial vision. Critics note its energetic pacing and self‑aware framing, though some point to occasional glossing over diversity concerns. The film’s blend of harrowing stories and reflective commentary makes it a compelling conversation starter, positioning it as a strong entry in contemporary nonfiction cinema.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of direction and editing, the documentary demonstrates a confident, propulsive style that stitches together varied interview clips with precision. Reviewers praise the brisk cutting and clear visual throughline that underscore the film’s thematic focus. While no major aesthetic flaws are cited, the craftsmanship consistently supports the subject matter, resulting in a highly polished presentation.
- Character & Emotion 84
When it comes to character depth, the film balances harrowing personal accounts with insights from industry leaders, creating nuanced portrayals of both subjects and filmmakers. Critics appreciate the emotional resonance of these stories, though a few note limited exploration of diversity among interviewees. Overall, the documentary succeeds in fostering empathy and thoughtful reflection on the people behind nonfiction narratives.
- Story & Flow 80
The narrative structure maintains measured pacing, linking ethical debates to concrete examples without drifting into didactic excess. Reviewers commend its originality and the way it interweaves multiple ethical threads, though some feel the runtime could have accommodated deeper dives. Nonetheless, the film’s coherent flow keeps viewers engaged and sustains a clear throughline throughout its 96‑minute run.
- Sensory Experience 72
Sensory elements, such as the sound design and musical underscoring, are functional and unobtrusive, supporting the documentary’s informative tone. Critics do not highlight standout visual flair or a distinctive auditory palette, suggesting a more restrained approach. The sensory choices serve the content adequately, though they lack the evocative punch that might elevate the viewing experience further.
- Rewatch Factor 84
Rewatch value is strong, as the film poses persistent ethical questions that invite repeated contemplation. Critics describe it as a conversation starter and note its potential as a springboard for extended series or deeper study. The layered content and unresolved dilemmas reward subsequent viewings, ensuring the documentary remains relevant and thought‑stimulating long after the initial watch.
-
IMDb 4.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 86% Tomatometer
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 74 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
1721 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Subject Box Office
Subject grossed $27,205 worldwide. $15,117 came from the US and Canada and $12,088 (44%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$27.2K
- US & Canada
- $15.1K
- International
- $12.1K
Subject Awards & Nominations
Subject earned 1 award nomination, including Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2022.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Artios Awards 2022 1 nomination- Nominated Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama
Subject Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.
- Trailer Subject | Official Trailer
- Featurette Subject directors Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera | BFI Q&A
Subject Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “서브젝트” and “Предмет”.
- Also known as
-
- 서브젝트
- Предмет
- 受访
Seen Subject?
Movies Like Subject
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Subject, An Open Secret and The Subject.
Subject FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Subject, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Subject?
Subject runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
When was Subject released?
Subject was released on November 3, 2023.
Who directed Subject?
Subject was directed by Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera.
More films by Camilla Hall Who is in the cast of Subject?
Subject stars Kirsten Johnson, Arthur Agee and Bing Liu, among 14 credited actors.
How much did Subject make at the box office?
Subject grossed $27,205 worldwide ($15,117 domestic, $12,088 international).
How is Subject rated?
Subject has 4.8/10 on IMDb, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.
Was Subject nominated for any awards?
Subject received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Subject have a post-credit scene?
No. Subject has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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