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James Gray’s latest crime thriller, Paper Tiger had such promise and unfortunately upon viewing, I can sadly say it did not reach the level of thrill and drama that it could have. Americans versus the Russians in 1986, and two Americans in over their heads in the Russian mafia. Of course there have always been stories about the mafia and following the wrong turn of events, but with Paper Tiger’s cast, the film showed promise.
The American Dream is a long sought after myth. Brothers Gary (Adam Driver) and Irwin Pearl (Miles Teller) are two more people seeking it. Living with his wife Hester (Scarlett Johansson) and two boys, Irwin could have been happy. But of course, nothing is ever enough. Seeking to make some extra money, Gary comes to his brother with a plan. Assuming he was helping them out, a mistake made by Irwin soon finds the Pearls in the brutal and violent world of the Russian mafia, with only one way of getting out.
Driver and Johansson Shine, But Gray’s Script Can’t Keep Up With Its Cast
A corn field, wind blowing, Paper Tiger opens in the softest way. Irwin, Hester and their two boys live the good life in an American apartment. Gray is capable of fully taking us back to the late 1980s. Though not alive during that decade, I recognize the homes, wardrobe, cars, and even the accents. For a period piece, though only set 40 years ago, the way in which he brings us back in time gives us all the more of a portal into the Pearls’ lives. Cinematography is in full bloom in Paper Tiger. The viewer could not have more visual pleasure, for what occurs in the 1980s. As the camera moves us through the story, we see all that we need to see. Coming from the director of gorgeous pictures such as Ad Astra (2019), the precision put in crafting the world for his viewer is clear.
It becomes a problem when casting actors who tend to have the biggest pull for audiences to want to watch the film. Driver, Johansson and Teller are some of the most renowned actors in recent years, with Johansson topping box office records and constantly being close or the top highest-grossing actor. But that does not mean that casting them in the film will give the audience something good to watch. Nonetheless, yes the three, along with their younger co-stars, work well together. Johansson is given permission once again to yell at her husband. Driver and Teller play opposite each other quite well, with the brotherly bond being evident. Driver truly becomes the star of the show with his anger, panache and strength.
Actors should not be the only selling point in the film. Writing and directing his films, it is clear that Gray is passionate about the craft. However, it would appear that like Armageddon Time (2022), there is not a suitable amount of the script fledged out to provide enough. Paper Tiger is pleasant. 115-minutes in length and it definitely feels much shorter. It still however, feels as though nothing entirely happened. The script itself was jumbled and unclear. The storyline was there, but with the strange plot points added in, one might wonder what Gray’s purpose was in adding them. Johansson’s character, as renowned as she is as an actor, could have not existed and this would have changed nothing in the storyline. Sad indeed, when I wish I could have enjoyed it more but did not.
Been there done that seems to be the theme with the Russian mafia, or just in general any mafia in New York City. We have seen it all before. Paper Tiger feels a whole lot like a soap opera. The characters make quick and rash decisions leading to drastic consequences. Given more time to expand upon each event, the story could have taken a different turn and the results could have been greater. We are left feeling underwhelmed apart from one singular moment that gives the film its originality. Driver’s character taking charge at the end. It is in their connection as brothers that I felt the biggest change of pace in the film. With a beautiful final sequence, we are taken out of the brutality of the docks and into the wilderness. Yes, things might not end how we hope, but it shows the love the brothers have for one another.
Such a strange time it feels to bring the world yet another Russian mafia crime drama. But at least it gave us Driver, Johansson and Teller working together. They might be big stars, but it cannot be denied fans enjoy seeing them on their screen. And yes, I am one of those fans. However, I can admit that Paper Tiger sadly did not live up to its prior hype. Ahead of its wider release, James Gray’s Paper Tiger was a last minute addition to the In Competition slate at the Cannes Film Festival. Getting mixed reviews, you might just have to see for yourself whether the Pearls can thrill you enough to fully invest in their story.
Grade: C-
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Paper Tiger
Two brothers pursue the American Dream but get entangled in a dangerous Russian mafia scheme that terrorizes their family, testing their bond as betrayal becomes possible.
Release Date: May 16, 2026
Director: Paper Tiger Cannes 2026
Cast: Adam Driver , Scarlett Johansson , Miles Teller
