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Documentary

Subject (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Subject (2023) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
4.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
86%
worldwide gross
$27.2K
award nomination
1
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Subject (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Subject

· 10 more
From the directors

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.

Ratings

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).

82 /100

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.

Box office

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.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$27.2K

US & Canada
$15.1K
International
$12.1K
US & Canada 56% Rest of the world 44%
Awards

Subject Awards & Nominations

Subject earned 1 award nomination, including Micro Budget – Comedy or Drama at the Artios Awards 2022.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Subject Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.

Official UK Trailer
  • Trailer Subject | Official Trailer
  • Featurette Subject directors Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera | BFI Q&A
Details

Subject Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “서브젝트” and “Предмет”.

Also known as
  • 서브젝트
  • Предмет
  • 受访

Seen Subject?

FAQ

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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