James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' premieres at Cannes 2026 to mixed reviews
James Gray's ninth feature film, 'Paper Tiger,' premiered in competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The family thriller, set in 1980s New York, follows two brothers—Irwin (Miles Teller), a struggling engineer, and Gary (Adam Driver), an ex-cop with mafia ties—who become entangled with the Russian mob. Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Irwin's pragmatic wife Hester. The film opens with a quote from Aeschylus, signaling Gray's intent to craft a modern tragedy about fraternal loyalty and masculine fear. However, critics note that 'Paper Tiger' lacks the emotional force of Gray's earlier works like 'Little Odessa,' feeling schematic and overly controlled. The plot centers on a seemingly simple technical evaluation of a cleanup operation in Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, which spirals into deceit and paranoia. Despite strong performances, the film is described as a mannerist exercise that fails to engage.
Key facts
- James Gray's 'Paper Tiger' premiered in competition at Cannes 2026.
- The film stars Miles Teller, Adam Driver, and Scarlett Johansson.
- Set in 1980s New York, it follows two brothers involved with the Russian mafia.
- The plot involves a technical evaluation of a cleanup operation in the Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn.
- The film opens with a quote from Aeschylus.
- Critics compare it unfavorably to Gray's 1994 film 'Little Odessa'.
- The review describes the film as schematic and lacking emotional engagement.
- The article was published on Artribune by Margherita Bordino.
Entities
Artists
- James Gray
- Miles Teller
- Adam Driver
- Scarlett Johansson
- Margherita Bordino
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Artribune
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- New York
- Queens
- Brooklyn
- Gowanus Canal