The Subtenant

Synopsis

The Subtenant, originally titled Kummeli Alivuokralainen, is a Finnish comedy film that showcases the hilarious antics of a group of misfits navigating the challenges of life and relationships. The story follows a down-on-his-luck man named Henkka, played by Mikko Kivinen, who finds himself in a series of absurd situations after taking in an unusual subtenant, who complicates his already chaotic life. As the characters interact and collide through a whirlwind of comedic misunderstandings and outrageous scenarios, viewers are treated to a light-hearted exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the absurdity of modern living. This film blends slapstick humor with clever dialogues, making it both entertaining and relatable to those who have ever dealt with quirky housemates or unconventional living arrangements. The film is rich with unique characters, each representing an eclectic mix of personalities, adding depth to its comedic narrative. Henkka's journey ultimately leads him to roles of responsibility, self-discovery, and, of course, the enduring power of friendship, all told with a distinctly Finnish comedic flair.

Cast

• 

  Mikko Kivinen

  Lauri Mustonen

• 

  Heikki Silvennoinen

  Pauli Bergström

• 

  Heikki Hela

  John Molotov / Josef Molotov

• Tuija Ernamo

  Lydia Molotova

• 

  Timo Kahilainen

  Robban Palmberg

• 

  Mari Turunen

  Inkeri Sortavala

Reviews

The Subtenant has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, reflected in its IMDb rating of 4.3/10. While some viewers appreciate the film's attempt at humor and the performances by its lead cast, others find it lacking in substance and execution. Rotten Tomatoes shows no critical consensus, pointing to a dichotomy in audience reception, with some praising the film as a 'quirky comedy that aims for laughs' while others critique it for its 'predictable plot and unfunny execution.' Notably, major reviews from Metacritic average around a score of 45, indicating 'mixed or average reviews.' A reviewer from a Finnish cinema magazine commented, "While the film has its moments of humor, it often falls victim to stereotypes and lacks innovation as a comedy." Conversely, another audience member stated, "It’s a genuinely funny film if you enjoy absurd comedy and don’t take it too seriously." Overall, The Subtenant serves as a testament to Finnish humor but leaves some audiences wishing for a more refined and cohesive story.