Sublet (English / Hebrew)

Ever since Yossi & Jagger, I have looked forward to Eytan Fox's films. The expectations are high and personally for me this film also does really well on my expectations. This film is a very touching and poignant story of an older American writer dealing with sorrow who is brought back some happiness and meaning by the company of a younger Israeli man. The film is slow but sensitive, respectful, thought through, even sensuality laced with amazing performances in a cross-generational emotional awakening.

50-something Michael, a travel writer for New York Times is traveling to Tel-Aviv for five days to explore the city and write about it. He has sublet an apartment in a hip neighborhood from film school student Tomer, who is as messy and spontaneous as Michael is buttoned-up and organized. Tomer has mixed up the American's arrival date but since he needs the money, he quickly leaves the place. When Tomer drops by next day, Michael invites him to stay for breakfast. The younger man dismisses Michael's city itinerary as too obvious, volunteering to show him some cool neighborhood spots instead. This leads to Michael's suggestion that Tomer stay on the couch and continue to be his tour guide. Through skype calls with his husband back at home, we hear that Michael is hesitant to go ahead with surrogacy plans. There is a weird flirtation between Tomer and Michael with conversation around sex. An awkward sex moment with another man and Tomer which Michael gets to watch gets very awkward for Michael. Tomer invites him to meet his mother on the kibbutz where she raised him. Here is when we find out the real reason behind Michael's sorrow. It's finally time for Michael to leave, but the last night Tomer makes love to him, reinstalling the confidence & the happiness that Michael had been missing.

The one thing that stayed with me even after the film finished was how good was the actor playing Tomer. He is an amazing find and the confidence and realness that he brings to the character is absolutely praiseworthy. His chemistry with Michael starting from indifference, to friendship, to admiration , respect and finally love just all makes sense. The dynamic between them unfolds in subtle moments but it's the big revelation at the dinner which makes Tomer look at Michael with a completely different perspective. There’s also an unspoken but palpable sexual tension between the men, but the eventual sexual healing is more about expressing and exploring their connection with one another than about lust. The film is simple yet complex and through Tomer's friends dance recital and the neighborhood, there is a slight political commentary as well. I quite enjoyed reliving my trip to Tel Aviv through this film. 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.

This is a touching, heartwarming, and ultimately hopeful film, with some poignant and even profound moments, all conveyed with an appealing lightness of touch. (8/10)