Adam Driver, Miles Teller Star in 'Paper Tiger' Trailer

Neon has released the official trailer for 'Paper Tiger,' an upcoming 1980s crime drama written and directed by James Gray. The film features a prominent cast including Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson, portraying a family caught in the dangerous web of the Russian mafia. The narrative is set in 1986 Queens, New York, and centers on two brothers, Gary, played by Adam Driver, who is a former police officer, and Isaac, portrayed by Miles Teller, an engineer. Their lives take a perilous turn when Gary involves Isaac in a scheme that leads to entanglement with organized crime, jeopardizing their family's safety and their very survival. Scarlett Johansson plays Isaac's wife, who experiences her own significant challenges as the unfolding events escalate. Director James Gray has indicated that the story draws partial inspiration from a personal family experience involving the Russian mafia in New York City during the 1980s. The film had its international debut in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, where it received a substantial 10-minute standing ovation after its screening. Neon acquired the film's distribution rights before its premiere at Cannes. 'Paper Tiger' is slated to serve as the opening film for the New York Film Festival, scheduled to commence at the end of September 2026. The movie is set to begin its limited theatrical release on November 13, 2026, marking its entry into cinemas after its festival circuit. The trailer offers a glimpse into the film's intense atmosphere, highlighting themes of family loyalty, the allure and danger of the American Dream, and the consequences of criminal involvement. The ensemble cast's performances are expected to be a key draw, with Driver and Teller taking on complex roles as brothers navigating a high-stakes criminal underworld. Johansson's character is positioned as a central figure within the family unit, facing internal and external pressures. James Gray's directorial style, known for its atmospheric tension and character-driven narratives, is anticipated to bring a distinct tone to this crime drama. The film's setting in the vibrant yet gritty landscape of 1980s New York provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding plot. The narrative promises to explore the intricate dynamics of familial relationships under extreme duress, set against a backdrop of organized crime and the pursuit of success.