The Cannes crime drama follows two brothers whose pursuit of the American dream leads them into a dangerous world of organized crime.
NEON has released the official trailer for PAPER TIGER, an intense crime thriller starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. Written and directed by James Gray, the film follows two brothers whose pursuit of the American dream spirals into a dangerous criminal conspiracy that threatens to destroy their family.
Set in New York City in 1986, the film explores ambition, loyalty, and betrayal as an opportunity for financial success leads two brothers into the ruthless world of the Russian mafia.
The new trailer offers a glimpse into the growing tension surrounding the Pearl family as their lives unravel amid violence, corruption, and increasingly dangerous threats.
Two Brothers Get Caught in a Deadly Criminal Scheme
Driver stars as Gary Pearl, a retired police officer who introduces his younger brother, Irwin (Teller), an engineer, to what appears to be a lucrative business opportunity.
The brothers believe they have found their chance to achieve financial security, but their ambitions quickly turn into a nightmare when they become entangled with Russian criminals.
Their involvement in the scheme exposes them to violence and intimidation, forcing them to confront the consequences of their increasingly desperate decisions.
Johansson portrays Irwin’s wife, whose family becomes caught in the fallout as the brothers’ criminal dealings threaten everything they have worked to protect.
As the situation escalates, the relationship between Gary and Irwin begins to fracture. Their loyalty to each other is tested as the possibility of betrayal becomes an increasingly dangerous reality.
The film also stars Gavin Goudey and Roman Engel as Irwin’s two sons.
James Gray Returns to His Crime Drama Roots
PAPER TIGER marks a return to familiar territory for Gray, whose filmmaking career includes LITTLE ODESSA, THE YARDS, WE OWN THE NIGHT, THE LOST CITY OF Z, AD ASTRA and ARMAGEDDON TIME.
The filmmaker has frequently explored complicated family relationships, moral conflicts and the consequences of pursuing success.
His latest film draws directly from his personal experiences and the emotional aftermath of losing his father. Gray wrote PAPER TIGER following his father’s death, a period of reflection that pushed him to approach the material with greater emotional openness.
The director describes the project as a love letter to his parents, whose efforts to protect their family inspired the film’s emotional foundation.
While organized crime drives the story, the relationship between the brothers remains at its center, exploring how good intentions and misguided ambitions can lead to devastating consequences.
Gray also returns to shooting on celluloid film, working with cinematographer Joaquín Baca-Asay, who previously collaborated with him on WE OWN THE NIGHT and TWO LOVERS.
The production used vintage lenses and tungsten lighting to recreate the atmosphere of 1980s New York, while Christopher Spelman composed the score.
Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson Reunite
PAPER TIGER reunites Driver and Johansson following their acclaimed performances in Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY, which earned both actors Academy Award nominations.
Driver, known for STAR WARS, FERRARI and MEGALOPOLIS, portrays an older brother whose pursuit of financial success puts his entire family in danger.
Johansson, whose credits include JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH and her directorial debut ELEANOR THE GREAT, plays a wife and mother struggling with the consequences of her family’s involvement in organized crime.
Teller, known for TOP GUN: MAVERICK, WHIPLASH and THE GORGE, portrays the younger brother whose desire for a better life leads him into a world he cannot control.
PAPER TIGER premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and will serve as the opening night selection of the 64th New York Film Festival.
PAPER TIGER opens in select theaters November 13, 2026, before expanding nationwide November 20, 2026
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
