James Gray's latest film, Paper Tiger, received a ten-minute standing ovation following its world premiere at the Grand Theatre Lumiere during the Cannes Film Festival. The movie stars Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and Miles Teller in a story about two brothers chasing the American Dream who become caught up in a Russian mafia plot that endangers their family. Neon is set to handle the domestic release.
Critics have largely responded positively to the crime drama, praising its performances and technical achievements while noting some familiar elements in the storytelling. Deadline described the film as a "riveting" crime drama, highlighting the "stunning cinematography from Joaquin Baca-Asay" and a "thrilling cat-and-mouse chase" sequence set in a wheat field that evokes the crop duster scene in North by Northwest. The outlet called it possibly "the single finest scene Gray ever has staged."
The Guardian awarded the film 4/5 stars, labeling it a "heavyweight saga" and a "sombre and impressive story of shady dealings in 80s New York." The UK's Telegraph also gave it 4/5 stars, noting that Johansson is "terrific in this grubbily engrossing crime thriller" and that the movie "feels like a fond throwback to The French Connection."
Time magazine offered enthusiastic praise, writing that some thrillers are enjoyable in the moment but fade quickly, while rarer ones "follow you home, giving you the feeling you're being shadowed by a thief." The review positioned Paper Tiger in that second category. Indiewire called it a "devastating tragedy" and said Adam Driver delivers a "career-best performance," adding that like Gray's best work, the film is "both sweepingly mythic and hauntingly personal all at once."
The Hollywood Reporter deemed the movie "arguably the director's best film" and said it "delivers big time," with Gray and his cast in "blazing form" in a bruising story about the costs of pursuing the American Dream too recklessly. ScreenDaily observed that Gray maintains his "dim view of the American Dream," but found the film's "quiet intensity and growing sibling tension" make for a compelling experience despite some familiar script contours.
Not all reviews were unqualified raves. Next Best Picture noted "flashes throughout of the filmmaker at his absolute best" that remind audiences why Gray remains compelling, but concluded that Paper Tiger feels like a "lesser entry in his filmography" overall. The UK's Radio Times said Adam Driver is "terrific in a crime drama that grips but never quite soars." Variety pointed to the film's "more atmosphere than plausibility," suggesting Gray is an ace director still undercut by holes in his screenplays.
Gray's sixth film to screen at Cannes continues his exploration of family bonds tested under pressure, with betrayal and danger central to the narrative. The 80s New York setting provides a gritty backdrop for the mafia entanglements that threaten the brothers' pursuit of success. Officials at the festival reported strong audience engagement, evidenced by the extended ovation at the premiere.
According to multiple outlets, the cast's work stands out as a major strength. Johansson's portrayal drew particular notice for its intensity in the thriller elements, while Driver's turn was singled out for its emotional depth. Teller rounds out the lead trio in a story that balances mythic scope with personal stakes.
Background on Gray's career shows a consistent interest in American undercurrents, from earlier works that examined ambition and loss. This latest effort reportedly builds on those themes through its crime-drama lens, though some critics found the execution more atmospheric than fully plausible in places.
Neon’s involvement signals expectations for a wide domestic rollout following the festival debut. The company has handled similar prestige titles in the past, positioning Paper Tiger for potential awards consideration later in the year.
While the overall critical consensus leans positive, the range of responses highlights ongoing debates about Gray's screenwriting strengths versus his visual and directorial command. Screenings at Cannes often set the tone for such discussions ahead of wider release.
Further details on the plot remain limited to the core premise of brothers entangled in mafia threats, with family bonds tested amid the chaos. The film reportedly avoids easy resolutions, aligning with Gray's reputation for somber storytelling.
Industry observers noted the timing of the premiere amid a busy Cannes slate that also included other high-profile titles. The positive early buzz could help the movie stand out as it moves toward distribution.
Additional reviews are expected in the coming days as more critics weigh in on the performances and technical elements. For now, the film appears poised for strong word-of-mouth following its festival launch.