The Tenants

Harry, a struggling novelist, takes residence in an abandoned tenement for the low rent of $72 per month. The dilapidated building is unwelcoming, but it offers Harry the solitude he needs to concentrate on his writing.

Willie, a militant African-American writer, unexpectedly moves into the tenement without permission. Despite his confidence as a writer, Willie initially keeps to himself and seems almost hostile towards Harry.

Levenspiel, the landlord, confronts Harry about his residency, eager to evict him to redevelop the property. He offers Harry $1,000 to leave, but Harry declares it impossible to abandon his novel mid-process.

Willie approaches Harry for feedback on his manuscript, hopeful to improve his writing. Harry acknowledges Willie's talent but struggles to provide useful advice, which offends Willie.

Willie invites friends over to Harry's place, including Irene and Mary. There’s immediate chemistry between Harry and Irene, while Mary shows interest in Harry, complicating the dynamic.

Harry and Irene connect over coffee and discuss their feelings. Harry confesses his love for Irene and expresses a desire to marry her after completing his book, sparking a romantic relationship.

Harry is invited to a party at Mary's house where, after a night of intimacy with her, Willie provokes him with insults. Harry refrains from retaliating, leading to Willie throwing him out to protect their friendship.

After their encounter, Willie reveals he did what he did to protect Harry from potential harm. However, when tensions peak and secrets are disclosed, Harry finds himself threatened and his apartment invaded.

Harry's burgeoning relationship with Irene flourishes, progressing his writing until Willie discovers Harry's intentions to marry Irene after finishing his book. This revelation ignites a furious confrontation.

Sparks fly as Harry's frustration culminates in violence. In a moment of rage, he stabs Willie with an ax, turning their creative rivalry into a life-threatening conflict that changes everything.

Following the violent encounter, Harry finds his apartment in disarray and his manuscript missing. Determined, he restarts his work, vowing to finish his novel despite the chaos around him.

As Harry struggles with his novel and his emotional turmoil, Irene decides to leave for San Francisco, believing she has waited long enough for Harry to find his footing. Their dreams of a shared future now seem distant.

After the violent events, Levenspiel ups the ante, offering Harry $10,000 to vacate the apartment. This proposal forces Harry to confront his choices and the reality of his situation.

With paranoia setting in as Willie threatens to re-enter his life, Harry's mental state deteriorates. In a desperate act of aggression, Harry destroys Willie's typewriter, igniting an intense final conflict.