Acclaimed director James Gray, known for his masterful character studies in films like Two Lovers, The Lost City of Z, and Ad Astra, is back with Paper Tiger. While the film premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, it, unfortunately, left without an award, a familiar outcome for Gray despite his consistent critical praise. However, the newly released trailer, as highlighted by Écran Large, does full justice to the film's exquisite composition and beautiful cinematography, suggesting that Paper Tiger is a significant work from one of his generation's most important American filmmakers.
Paper Tiger delves into the dark underbelly of a New York family, the Pearls, as two brothers, Gary (Adam Driver) and Irwin (Miles Teller), become entangled with the Russian mafia. What begins as a seemingly simple scheme quickly spirals out of control, leading to the rapid disintegration of their family unit. The trailer effectively showcases this escalating tension, transforming the once comforting Pearl home into a suffocating trap. Gray masterfully remixes familiar motifs from his filmography, transcending what some critics might see as a return to well-trodden mafia territory.
Scarlett Johansson takes on the role of Hester, Irwin's wife, who emerges as the true emotional anchor of the story. While the narrative initially appears to center on the men's reckless actions, Hester's journey of resignation and the heavy emotional burden she carries become increasingly central. Her character's quiet strength provides a powerful counterpoint to the brothers' unfolding chaos, making her the unexpected heart of this tense thriller.
The trailer also highlights Gray's magnificent staging and the brilliant work of cinematographer Joaquin Baca-Asay, with stunning visuals that evoke a Hitchcockian level of suspense. Gray himself has mentioned that the story draws inspiration from his own family, exploring the corrosive effects of the false American dream and the pursuit of social elevation on close-knit relationships. This deeply personal foundation adds another layer of depth to the gripping narrative.
Paper Tiger is slated for release in French cinemas on November 25, promising audiences a profound and visually arresting cinematic experience.