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Comedy drama

Sublet (2021): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Sublet (2021) movie poster

Sublet is a 2021 comedy drama directed by Eytan Fox, starring John Benjamin Hickey as Michael, Niv Nissim and Peter Spears. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Stream it on Dekkoo and Kanopy, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
Echo Score
75
Metascore
67
Sublet (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Director
Eytan Fox
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sublet About?

The premise of Sublet without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Following a personal tragedy, a journalist seeks refuge in Tel Aviv. He finds renewed purpose and connection with a captivating young man, experiencing the city’s unique culture and energy. Their relationship sparks a journey of self-discovery, offering him a chance to heal and rediscover his zest for life.

Sublet Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay interest
  • gay
  • gay sex
  • gay character
  • gay jew
  • gay protagonist
  • israel
  • gay man
  • gay kiss
  • older man younger man friendship
  • writer
  • male nudity
+38 more
  • male rear nudity
  • tel aviv israel
  • travel writer
  • loud music
  • walk up apartment
  • date wrong
  • unpacking
  • beach
  • insomnia
  • film student
  • stolen bike
  • filmmaker
  • watching a movie on a laptop
  • cigarette smoking
  • rolling a joint
  • talking about sex
  • talking about kissing
  • video call
  • experimental dance
  • hooking up
  • getting undressed
  • bare chested man
  • fellatio
  • voyeur
  • mother son relationship
  • husband husband relationship
  • sad story
  • unmatched sock puppet
  • crying
  • closet organizing
  • sex scene
  • international flight
  • sleep medication
  • death of unborn child
  • sleeping on a couch
  • gay actor gay character
  • independent film
  • bisexual
Where to watch

Where to Watch Sublet

Stream it on Dekkoo and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Sublet Cast & Characters

John Benjamin Hickey leads the cast as Michael, with Niv Nissim as Tomer and Peter Spears as David. Directed by Eytan Fox; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sublet

· 6 more
Ratings

Sublet Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sublet 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (60).

75 /100

Sublet Echo Score Breakdown

Sublet offers a gently observed portrait of an unlikely bond between two men, anchored by understated charm and sincere performances. Critics note its evocative moments and subtle humor, while also pointing to a conventional, at times fragmented storyline. User feedback highlights heartfelt acting and appealing visuals but echoes concerns about rushed pacing. The film thus delivers an emotionally resonant experience that is modestly enriched by its setting, though narrative tightness limits its overall impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual composition, Sublet! benefits from an understated aesthetic that captures Tel Aviv’s coastal atmosphere. Critics cite evocative cinematography and a gentle tone, and users praise the beautiful cityscapes and well‑crafted scenes. However, some reviews mention occasional rushed editing that disrupts flow. Overall, the film’s craft is solid with moments of visual distinction.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, the film excels through nuanced performances by John Benjamin Hickey and Niv Nissim. Critics describe the bond as tender and human, while multiple users call the casting perfect and the acting heartfelt. Though the screenplay occasionally limits development, the chemistry sustains audience engagement. Consequently, character work stands as a pronounced strength.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative structure of Sublet presents a gentle, episodic progression that sometimes feels under‑developed. Critics note a risk‑free, standardized plot and comment on fragmented pacing, and several users observe a collection of moments that fail to cohere fully. While the premise offers intergenerational intrigue, the uneven storytelling hampers sustained momentum. Overall, story execution is mixed.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Regarding rewatch value, Sublet’s gentle charm and heartfelt performances make it a pleasant revisit, though the thin, episodic plot may limit long‑term appeal. Critics describe it as a tender meditation, and users note its emotional resonance and appealing setting. While the film is enjoyable on a second viewing, the lack of narrative depth prevents it from becoming a frequent repeat. Overall, its replay factor is moderate.

Plot

Sublet Plot Summary

What happens in Sublet from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

On his first day in Tel Aviv, Michael arrives at the apartment he is to sublet, only to discover it is still inhabited by Tomer, who had mixed up the arrival date. With Tomer’s bike stolen and nowhere else to stay in the bustling city, Michael offers for Tomer to share the space in exchange for a local tour. After a brief, tense video chat with his husband, David, Michael drifts off to sleep, the weight of a foreign city settling around him.

Full summary

The whole story of Sublet, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Sublet Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sublet.

Sublet | Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sublet?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the protagonist who arrives in Tel Aviv to sublet an apartment?

Details

Sublet Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Sous-location” and “分租”.

Also known as
  • Sous-location
  • 分租
  • סאבלט
  • Chambre à louer
  • Albérlet
  • 서블렛

Seen Sublet?

FAQ

Sublet FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sublet, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sublet?

Sublet runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was Sublet released?

Sublet was released on June 11, 2021.

Who directed Sublet?

Sublet was directed by Eytan Fox.

More films by Eytan Fox

Who is in the cast of Sublet?

Sublet stars John Benjamin Hickey as Michael, Niv Nissim as Tomer and Peter Spears as David, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Sublet?

In the US, Sublet is streaming on Dekkoo, Kanopy and Strand Releasing and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How is Sublet rated?

Sublet has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Does Sublet have a post-credit scene?

No. Sublet has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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