Skip to content
MovieCove
The Subjects

The Subjects

Not everyone is meant to be a hero

201580 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 26th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Mond
Starring
Paul Clinton O'Brien, Charlotte Nicdao, Emily Wheaton, Spencer McLaren

Eight strangers go into a locked room for clinical trials on a new drug that gives them superpowers.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Subjects?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Subjects streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

Subscription

Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Subjects?

The Subjects earns 1 badge: Single location.

Reception

Is The Subjects worth watching?

The Subjects' Midcredits score is the 26th percentile of all films, from 1.8K ratings across 4 sources. 30% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

26th percentile

Better received than 26% of films

57th percentile among Thriller27th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)31st
Approval (how many liked it)23rd

56 /100

31st percentile of all films

65th percentile among Thriller33rd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

30% liked it

23rd percentile of all films

51st percentile among Thriller22nd percentile among 2010s
30% rated it 7–1070% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

46th percentile

1.8K ratings across platforms

71st percentile among Thriller50th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 7% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • original anti-superhero twist on genre conventions
  • tight script with surprising plot twists and rewatch value
  • entertaining blend of dark comedy, suspense and character dynamics

Detractors panned

  • poor acting, especially over-the-top and annoying characters
  • weak script with stilted dialogue and illogical plot holes
  • cheap effects and amateurish technical execution

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive68

unique anti-superhero take on locked-room scenario

PacingDivisive62

short runtime, picks up after first power reveal; detractors find slow setup and filler debates

HumorDivisive60

dark and campy comedy; fans find it entertaining, detractors find it jarring

Plot and storyDivisive58

engaging premise with unpredictable twists; detractors find it illogical and underdeveloped

CharactersDivisive45

broad archetypes; divisive — fun for some, shallow and annoying for others

ActingDivisive43

uneven performances; some likable (Nicdao), others grating (over-the-top characters)

DialogueDivisive38

some witty lines but often stilted, forced and unnatural

Effects and spectacleDivisive30

low-budget CGI; some fans forgive it, detractors find it laughable

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Subjects like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark comedy: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to laugh at things you probably shouldn't.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
TenseAbsurdThrilling
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.
ToneThe film plays its locked-room scenario with a knowing, slightly irreverent edge, mixing horror with dark humour about the absurdity of the situation.
The rideThe mood is steadily tense and absurd, with the heaviest, most thrilling stretch coming in the later stages once powers emerge.
StructureThe story follows a conventional sequence of events within a single locked room, with events unfolding in order. The confined setting is a defining structural element.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering unease about the power dynamics and the fate of the characters, with questions about the experiment's purpose.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% (this title) · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Technology turns: Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe premise is a group trapped in a locked room where a drug grants unpredictable superpowers that turn deadly, making the experiment itself the monster. The synopsis and reviews emphasize the survival pressure and the inability to leave.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalPower · 2% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about trying to survive inside a locked room while also grappling with the unexpected powers the drug grants.
StanceThe film stays focused on the confined group and interrogates what happens when ordinary people gain power through a dubious trial.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Amiel Zwier
Settinga locked room used for a secret clinical trial
MusicThe score underscores the tense, experimental atmosphere of the locked-room setting.

Content guide

Is The Subjects okay for kids?

Not Rated

The Subjects is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (44/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at severe (89/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (12 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Subjects have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Subjects?

Cast

At least 3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Paul Clinton O'Brien
as John
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Charlotte Nicdao
as Lilly
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Emily Wheaton
as Jenna
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Spencer McLaren
as Devin
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Paul Henri
as Corey
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Katharine Innes
as Nikki
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Frank Magree
as Giggles
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tosh Greenslade
as Phil
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Pip Mushin
as Dr Skye
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Abbe Holmes
as Voice of Sunskye

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Subjects?

Movies like The Subjects include Open Grave (2013), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) and Tau (2018). All three are stories about unlikely alliances; two are films set inside an institution.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Subjects?

335 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: death game. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.