6.3
Where can I stream The Substitute legally?
The Substitute is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Substitute fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Coming of Age8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and class and money
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and class and money
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and class and money.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Nobody is saved alone.
Lucio, a prestigious university professor, takes the position of substitute teacher at a high school in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, where he grew up. Through tales, novels and poetry, he tries to distract his class from the harsh reality of their everyday lives. But soon, he must step out of his professional duties when Dilan, one of his students, is threatened by a local drug kingpin.
Buenos AiresSubstitute TeacherHigh School DramaSocial RealismDrug-Related CrimeComing-of-AgeEducationalSocial CommentaryArgentine Cinema
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Substitute
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Substitute worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 6.3 and Rotten Tomatoes 86%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Substitute rated?
ViolenceDrug useStrong language
Content advisories: violence, drug use, and strong language.
How long is The Substitute?
1 h 51 min
The Substitute runs 1 h 51 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Substitute?
Critics86
Audiences63
Not quite. Critics rate The Substitute higher (86) than audiences (63). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Substitute in?
Spanish
It was made in Spanish. Produced in Argentina, Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
In how many countries can I watch The Substitute?
130
+116
+116GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Substitute in 130 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Substitute use?
Laser SightToken Evil TeammateOh, Crap!Badass CrewSherlock ScanKnee-cappingBig Bad DuumvirateSoundtrack DissonanceBackup BluffEvil Parents Want Good KidsIt's PersonalBadass Teacherand 63 more
TV Tropes lists 75 storytelling tropes for The Substitute, including Laser Sight, Token Evil Teammate, Oh, Crap!.