Another superior gay-themed movie from Eytan Fox, the Israeli director of Cupcakes and Yossi and Jagger, among others. It's a simple, but well-observed story about a moment between two gay men from different cultures and different generations. Best of all, it's a showcase for the talents of John Benjamin Hickey, excellent in so many US TV series, from The Big C to Manhattan. It's nice to see him as the leading man. And he's well-matched by Niv Nissem, a young actor with the looks and charisma to make his character, who pretty much embodies the arrogance of youth, attractive. Sublet is also a pretty good snapshot of Tel Aviv, and of Israeli youth. I particularly liked Daria, the would- be dancer who decides she's going to rebel by being completely selfish. Worth the effort if you're in the mood for an intelligent, gentle, quietly moving movie.
32 Reviews
Delightful film closes the Generation Gap
tm-sheehan11 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
My Review - Sublet
My Rating 8/10
It's so encouraging to me to see films today that sensitively depict contemporary GLBTQI issues like same sex families with children or same sex marriage would never even be discussed when I "came out" over 50 years ago . Most importantly films like "Sublet "that I think have a broad appeal to any open minded film audience that appreciates quality scripts acting and direction in their movies were rarely made.
Sublet is a 2020 Israeli-American drama film, directed by Eytan Fox, from a screenplay by Fox and Itay Segal. It stars John Benjamin Hickey and Niv Nissim.
Michael (John Benjamin Hickey) is a 50ish travel writer for The New York Times, travelling to Tel Aviv for work. He is a former bestselling author, having written a book about New York City during the peak of the AIDS crisis, in which he lost a good friend to the disease.
Instead of staying at a hotel, Michael meets Tomer (Niv Nissim), a younger and very handsome film student in need of some extra money, and sublets his apartment in a popular neighbourhood. The two gay men face a generational gap that puts their personal and clashing life philosophies into perspective.
Michael and his husband back home David (Peter Spears) recently lost their newborn child after going through the IVF program.
When David calls Michael from home it's obvious that there's tension in their longterm relationship especially when David wants the couple to try IVF again and Michael really has decided no not again.
Tomer seems drawn to Michael's quiet charm and intelligence Michael is obviously physically attracted to handsome Tomer . He asks Tomer to be his guide for the few days he's spending in Tel Aviv .
Their genuine affection builds as they compare their life values and experience and the script by Eytan Fox and Itay Segal flows naturally and honestly.
There's a beautiful dinner scene when Tomer takes Michael home to meet his mother and the discussion of raising children comes into the conversation prompting Michael to reevaluate the recent decisions he has made.
There's a real charm and honesty to this movie it's a pleasure to watch for so many aspects see it if you can.
Sublet is a 2020 Israeli-American drama film, directed by Eytan Fox, from a screenplay by Fox and Itay Segal. It stars John Benjamin Hickey and Niv Nissim.
Michael (John Benjamin Hickey) is a 50ish travel writer for The New York Times, travelling to Tel Aviv for work. He is a former bestselling author, having written a book about New York City during the peak of the AIDS crisis, in which he lost a good friend to the disease.
Instead of staying at a hotel, Michael meets Tomer (Niv Nissim), a younger and very handsome film student in need of some extra money, and sublets his apartment in a popular neighbourhood. The two gay men face a generational gap that puts their personal and clashing life philosophies into perspective.
Michael and his husband back home David (Peter Spears) recently lost their newborn child after going through the IVF program.
When David calls Michael from home it's obvious that there's tension in their longterm relationship especially when David wants the couple to try IVF again and Michael really has decided no not again.
Tomer seems drawn to Michael's quiet charm and intelligence Michael is obviously physically attracted to handsome Tomer . He asks Tomer to be his guide for the few days he's spending in Tel Aviv .
Their genuine affection builds as they compare their life values and experience and the script by Eytan Fox and Itay Segal flows naturally and honestly.
There's a beautiful dinner scene when Tomer takes Michael home to meet his mother and the discussion of raising children comes into the conversation prompting Michael to reevaluate the recent decisions he has made.
There's a real charm and honesty to this movie it's a pleasure to watch for so many aspects see it if you can.
A breath of fresh air
yoshinaruto2 October 2021
I was immediately drawn to this movie for two main reasons. 1. It has John Benjamin Hickey, who I recently became familiar with from Mapplethorpe (knowing an actor in a low budget gay movie means a lot), and 2. It focuses on an older guy (I'm exclusively interested in intergenerational relationships, and I'm a little burnt out on gay films with high schoolers).
Is it good? For the most part, yes. JBH is a good casting choice, I correctly predicted a lot about his character just by observing him. The rest of the cast is good too, and the direction is solid. I'm used to watching tons of micro budget gay films, so simply having decent acting and a director who knows how to work a camera places this towards the top.
The story might not be for everyone. It is deliberately paced, and there's not much drama. You spend most of the film getting to know the two leads, what makes them different, and what makes them connect. The tone is mostly light and fun except for one scene in particular, so it makes for a decent film to put on if you don't want to get too depressed. There's not really any homophobic bullying or violence, which that alone makes it stand out from most of the gay cinema I've experienced.
Overall, I liked pretty much everything about it, especially the characters. I don't know if it makes my top 10 gay films, but it's certainly close. If it interests you, I'd highly recommend it.
Is it good? For the most part, yes. JBH is a good casting choice, I correctly predicted a lot about his character just by observing him. The rest of the cast is good too, and the direction is solid. I'm used to watching tons of micro budget gay films, so simply having decent acting and a director who knows how to work a camera places this towards the top.
The story might not be for everyone. It is deliberately paced, and there's not much drama. You spend most of the film getting to know the two leads, what makes them different, and what makes them connect. The tone is mostly light and fun except for one scene in particular, so it makes for a decent film to put on if you don't want to get too depressed. There's not really any homophobic bullying or violence, which that alone makes it stand out from most of the gay cinema I've experienced.
Overall, I liked pretty much everything about it, especially the characters. I don't know if it makes my top 10 gay films, but it's certainly close. If it interests you, I'd highly recommend it.
A film to feel
Gordon-1118 July 2021
Confusing themes
dalehitchy5 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm surprised by the high ratings. The movie isn't terrible but it certainly has its flaws. It is a slow movie with a very thin plot. I don't mind slow burning movies but my partner was waiting for this movie to go somewhere, which it did not.
My main issue with the movie is, it's trying for a happy ending... But we have just witnessed the main character cheat on his boyfriend/husband who have tried for a baby and will try again. When they are both at the airport parting ways, the isreali guy starts crying (why?) And he says "you should try again for a baby, you'll be a good dad". Erm no, the American character said he was in a monogamous relationship and just cheated on his husband. That's not the type of environment to bring a child in.
If the movie wasn't trying for the happy go well ending then fine.... But it seems to be aiming for that and it wasn't really happy at all.
My main issue with the movie is, it's trying for a happy ending... But we have just witnessed the main character cheat on his boyfriend/husband who have tried for a baby and will try again. When they are both at the airport parting ways, the isreali guy starts crying (why?) And he says "you should try again for a baby, you'll be a good dad". Erm no, the American character said he was in a monogamous relationship and just cheated on his husband. That's not the type of environment to bring a child in.
If the movie wasn't trying for the happy go well ending then fine.... But it seems to be aiming for that and it wasn't really happy at all.
Not your usual travelog
chong_an29 October 2020
A Jewish-American travel writer returns to Tel-Aviv for the 1st time as an adult. He is staying for 5 days, intending to write an article about non-tourist Tel-Aviv. He sublets an apartment rather than stay in a hotel, where the occupant, a pansexual, commitment-free university student of film studies, is planning on couch-surfing with friends for the duration. The writer ends up hiring the student to show him his world, while dealing with a disagreement with his husband back home.
There is an interesting view of what actual student life might be like, with glimpses of the cultural viewpoints of young Israelis, especially in contrast with older Americans - e.g. the writer is appalled that young artists are interested in hip Berlin as a career destination. There are also interesting reflections of what others see of you.
There is an interesting view of what actual student life might be like, with glimpses of the cultural viewpoints of young Israelis, especially in contrast with older Americans - e.g. the writer is appalled that young artists are interested in hip Berlin as a career destination. There are also interesting reflections of what others see of you.
With reservations
laduqesa28 January 2023
I tend not to watch Israeli films for a number of reasons but made an exception in this case. I remembered why not quite soon into the film seeing the usual cliches were here too. The theme of the film was interesting enough for me to plough on though and it was worth it.
The plot? Well, would even a bohemian student have forgotten he was renting his flat out? OK, there had to be a device for getting Michael and Tomer together so that was as good as any, I guess. And in the circumstances of the two disparate guys getting to know each other something similar had to drive the story on.
The film did touch on some themes that are important and the one that struck me was how people change. Michael told Tomer and Daria that "in his day" people protested and had changed the world; they didn't run away. However, what an utter stuffed shirt he had become in later life wearing pyjamas and shocked at Grindr. Surrogacy and fidelity were also touched upon, not in any profound way but more as part of a story that explained some of the events of the film.
I have to admit that the revelation of the tragedy during the visit to the kibbutz didn't affect me emotionally as it appeared to have done to some reviewers. I was glad to see the culmination of our odd couple's relationship and the film ended in the way it should have - Michael would never have unwound enough for any spontaneous moves after the events of the previous night. And I got an impression that Tomer's tears were for his lost father which was a nice touch at the departure. Seeing him ride his stolen bike again at the end was a liberating experience for the audience and for him; I liked this ending.
So, despite my misgivings as mentioned above, I quite enjoyed this film. It was the right length and well enough constructed to hold the interest throughout.
The plot? Well, would even a bohemian student have forgotten he was renting his flat out? OK, there had to be a device for getting Michael and Tomer together so that was as good as any, I guess. And in the circumstances of the two disparate guys getting to know each other something similar had to drive the story on.
The film did touch on some themes that are important and the one that struck me was how people change. Michael told Tomer and Daria that "in his day" people protested and had changed the world; they didn't run away. However, what an utter stuffed shirt he had become in later life wearing pyjamas and shocked at Grindr. Surrogacy and fidelity were also touched upon, not in any profound way but more as part of a story that explained some of the events of the film.
I have to admit that the revelation of the tragedy during the visit to the kibbutz didn't affect me emotionally as it appeared to have done to some reviewers. I was glad to see the culmination of our odd couple's relationship and the film ended in the way it should have - Michael would never have unwound enough for any spontaneous moves after the events of the previous night. And I got an impression that Tomer's tears were for his lost father which was a nice touch at the departure. Seeing him ride his stolen bike again at the end was a liberating experience for the audience and for him; I liked this ending.
So, despite my misgivings as mentioned above, I quite enjoyed this film. It was the right length and well enough constructed to hold the interest throughout.
Not just a Brief Encounter
robtyrrell-986078 March 2021
Gotta love it when you take a chance on an unknown "quirky little independent film" and it turns out to be a well-written, well-acted piece of work.
The story plays out well mainly because the writing is good and the interaction between the two main characters is enjoyable to watch unfold. You think you know where things are going to go...which they don't necessarily do in the way you might expect.
It's also fun to watch because of the interesting little details that you might miss if you're not paying attention to (e.g., breakfast habits that someone was apparently lying about!) It's cool to hear the older travel writer's story unfold, and it's certainly enjoyable to watch the younger character simply because he's adorable. Fortunately, he can act, too, and has his own worthwhile story. Finally, the character of the mother adds an entertaining element towards the end.
The ending may or may not be what you're expecting going in....I'll just leave it at that. In sum, I was glad that this was yet another "overlooked" little film that turned out to be more worth my time than most Hollywood schlock getting cranked out these days. Give it a look!
Somewhat a little subdued, but still charming.
pasaribuharisfadli6 December 2021
It's a low-key drama film with a warming performance from the always splendid John Benjamin Hickey. It's offers nothing new actually. Been done before. Yet still able to deliver some charms. Besides any Eytan Fox film is always a fine little treat.
Pls put this on Netflix
ks-605008 May 2022
Life change to each other when they meet. It's about two extreme character of gays get together and how they change each others. It's quite a easy and comfy movie when watch with all the small things make you happy and sad. I would say it's a recent best gay movie I watched. Can't believe only 26 reviews n 2k rating on this movie only, need promote good movies like this.
Unexpected gem!
s-sibilla21 March 2021
Beautifully written, funny, charming and moving at the same time, this movie is a little gem that had me smiling all the way through and that even brought a tear to my face.
I was surprisingly happy by how the story developed and how great and dynamic the chemistry between the two main characters was (Tomer's character is very well thought through).
The finale was touching and clearly showed the movie's overall efforts of bringing two generations closer. A must watch!
Kinda boring
yaakovher9 July 2021
It's not something very new. The dialogues are kinda weird and the acting is not quite sharp (except for the legendary John Benjamin Hickey).
The plot is overall very shallow, and the scenes of JBH talking to his husband via Skype are extremely boring, unrealistic and not sophisticated.
Plus the references to the Palestinians and the holocaust are very forced, very very shallow and just show the lack of diversity among hipsters in Tel Aviv.
It's cute, that's all.
The plot is overall very shallow, and the scenes of JBH talking to his husband via Skype are extremely boring, unrealistic and not sophisticated.
Plus the references to the Palestinians and the holocaust are very forced, very very shallow and just show the lack of diversity among hipsters in Tel Aviv.
It's cute, that's all.
10 out of 10 for john Benjamin hickey!!
olinkhan-7505828 February 2021
Sublet is a artistically beautiful film. Cinematography was great. And John benjamin hickey was perfectly casted as Michael green. The dinner scene where he describe about thie child, that scene broke me. I felt his pain. John was splendid in this movie. And...... It was really hard to find the movie.
Not the tourist's Tel Aviv
Red-1254 September 2021
Sublet (2020) was co-written and directed by Eytan Fox.
John Benjamin Hickey plays Michael, a middle-aged travel writer for the New York Times. Michael visits Tel Aviv as part of his work.
He sublets an apartment from Tomer (Niv Nissim). Michael invites Tomer to stay in the apartment, and Tomer becomes his guide to the real Tel Aviv.
Michael is gay. Tomer is young and bisexual. The plot revolves around whether their friendship will turn to intimacy.
I enjoyed this film. The actors are excellent, and I learned more about non-tourist Tel Aviv.
We saw this movie virtually as part of the always outstanding Rochester Jewish Film Festival. The movie has a tepid IMDb rating of 6.9. I thought that it was better than that, and rated it 8.
John Benjamin Hickey plays Michael, a middle-aged travel writer for the New York Times. Michael visits Tel Aviv as part of his work.
He sublets an apartment from Tomer (Niv Nissim). Michael invites Tomer to stay in the apartment, and Tomer becomes his guide to the real Tel Aviv.
Michael is gay. Tomer is young and bisexual. The plot revolves around whether their friendship will turn to intimacy.
I enjoyed this film. The actors are excellent, and I learned more about non-tourist Tel Aviv.
We saw this movie virtually as part of the always outstanding Rochester Jewish Film Festival. The movie has a tepid IMDb rating of 6.9. I thought that it was better than that, and rated it 8.
A subtle and touching film
friendshipjohn13 March 2021
The story is subtle and touching. It tells a good story of both the simplicity and complexity of human relations. We can never be defined by one ROLE or one NAME. And love and passion also could have different forms.
I need to go to Tel Aviv!
bgoo-1989018 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I am a gay man with no talent just an opinion.
This is a movie that rolls along like the 5 day trip John Hickey's character is writing about. Niv Nissim and John Hickey characters blend so well that it didn't seem acting at all. What was important is what these 2 men ,despite the age difference, rediscover things in themselves. Niv Nissim's free spirited character only proves that people come into your life when you need them. The mark they leave can be momentous.
This was a nice feel good movie from a talented director.
Niv Nissim is not bad to look at either!
This is a movie that rolls along like the 5 day trip John Hickey's character is writing about. Niv Nissim and John Hickey characters blend so well that it didn't seem acting at all. What was important is what these 2 men ,despite the age difference, rediscover things in themselves. Niv Nissim's free spirited character only proves that people come into your life when you need them. The mark they leave can be momentous.
This was a nice feel good movie from a talented director.
Niv Nissim is not bad to look at either!
Not a new plot
deepudp13 September 2021
For a change the location has been chosen as Tel Aviv. (but why?) There is nothing glitzy to keep you hooked. However, the slow-paced drama isn't boring if haven't watched any other moving centered on gay life or surrogacy.
Try the Danish Girl or Mimi.
Try the Danish Girl or Mimi.
Another Eytan Fox gem
stevedgrossman19 June 2021
I have been waiting for this movie to come out for ages, and so glad it finally did.
The story is poignant, and quite moving. With excellent performances by John Benjamin Hickey and Niv Nissim. Great cameo by veteran Miki Kam. It reflects such an accurate representation of a certain sector of gay Tel Aviv, it could have been a documentary!
No spoilers, but I cried at the end.
The story is poignant, and quite moving. With excellent performances by John Benjamin Hickey and Niv Nissim. Great cameo by veteran Miki Kam. It reflects such an accurate representation of a certain sector of gay Tel Aviv, it could have been a documentary!
No spoilers, but I cried at the end.
Waiting on a sequel
wcorn-9398528 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It was a really good movie. I do hope for a sequel. After all, it left me with questions, like...Will Michael go home and reunite with his partner and proceed with the baby? Will Tomer go to NY and rescue Michael? Where could this go? This cliffhanger needs to be resolved. A really good movie though.
Nice to watch
Glifada1 February 2021
Beautifully crafted little gem
a-cosmic-ritual13 July 2021
I have been waiting for this movie for almost a year and it doesn't disappoint. A well layered storyline creating heart from its realness. Moving, touching, & tender ! I Loved the feel that the cinematography and Score provide, to give it that sweet elusive feeling. A must See ^^
An absolutely pointless movie
qui_j11 October 2021
This is a movie where you keep waiting for something to happen....but it never does! You keep waiting for the plot to engage you, draw you in...but it never does! One can only wonder what the actual point of the movie is....but one never does as the movie is totally pointless! A waste of almost 2 hours to watch a movie about nothing!
Beautiful
drkavitha_k27 July 2021
The most moving film I've seen in a long while
taliklein-0500830 October 2021
This film pulled me right in from the start. It was so brilliantly written, acted and directed that I felt almost as though I was experiencing the characters' emotional experiences first hand. I was so moved by the tenderness and intimacy in this film, and so appreciated the beautiful nuance in the actors' performances. Both lead actors were exceptional and their connection was palpable. I was absolutely blown away by this film. A true gem!
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