James Gray returns to familiar territory with 'Paper Tiger,' weaving a neo-New Hollywood thriller set in the late '80s, featuring Miles Teller and Adam Driver entangled with the Russian mob.
Gray's Directorial Evolution
Following 'Armageddon Time,' Gray's direction in 'Paper Tiger' showcases a mastery of simmering family drama, aiming to echo the intensity of a Sidney Lumet film. The film is set against the backdrop of late '80s material anxiety, with Miles Teller portraying Irwin Pearl, an earnest reservoir engineer, and Adam Driver as his brother Gary, an ex-cop with high ambitions.
Family Dynamics and Financial Schemes
The Pearl family, with Scarlett Johansson as matriarch Hester, faces financial strain, highlighting the pressures of assimilation and ambition. Gary's plan to capitalize on the Gowanus Canal clean-up project draws Irwin into a precarious financial scheme, leaning on Irwin's engineering skills.
Russian Mob Tensions
The plot thickens when Irwin and Gary meet Vesselinov, a slick-haired figure representing the Russian interests. A dangerous encounter at the canal reveals criminal activities, with Irwin witnessing oil dumping. Tensions escalate when his sons are threatened, intensifying the film's stakes.
Character Complexity and Plot Twists
Despite the threat to his family, Irwin, influenced by Gary's persistence, continues with the risky venture. A confrontation with Russian mob leader Semion Bogoyavich, played by Victor Ptak, demands a $150,000 payment, spiraling the brothers into deeper trouble. Driver's portrayal of Gary is a mix of ambition and naivety, driving the film's plot forward.
James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' attempts to balance family drama with the intensity of a thriller, but faces challenges with its plot coherence. The film generates a middle-class terror reminiscent of 'Cape Fear,' but its narrative complexity sometimes hinders its impact. Gray's direction remains strong, yet the screenplay's gaps leave room for improvement.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/paper-tiger-review-miles-teller-adam-driver-james-gray-1236750728/
