James Gray's "Paper Tiger" to Open New York Film Festival

A Cinematic Journey into Family, Crime, and Queens

"Paper Tiger" Premieres at New York Film Festival

James Gray's latest work, "Paper Tiger," is slated to be the opening night selection for the 2026 New York Film Festival. Following its initial showing at Cannes, the film will make its North American premiere as a gala screening on September 25th, with Neon distributing it in November.

The Cast and Narrative Unveiled

The film boasts a powerful ensemble, starring Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson. It tells a semi-autobiographical story set in Queens during the 1980s, where Johansson and Teller portray parents Hester and Irwin. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Irwin's brother, Gary (played by Adam Driver), entangles Irwin in a dangerous scheme involving the Russian mafia, putting the couple's children at risk.

Critical Acclaim for Gray's Masterpiece

David Rooney, chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, lauded "Paper Tiger" in his Cannes review, describing it as a "drama of almost overwhelming power." He noted its thematic and tonal resonance with Gray's earlier work, "Little Odessa," positioning it as a significant, full-circle achievement in Gray's filmography.

A Familiar Face at NYFF

This marks James Gray's fourth film to be honored by the New York Film Festival, following the selections of "The Immigrant," "The Lost City of Z," and "Armageddon Time." Gray expressed his gratitude for the invitation, emphasizing the film's New York roots and its personal significance to his life and experiences.

Casting Changes and Reunions

Initially, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong were set to star in the roles ultimately taken by Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller, which would have been an "Armageddon Time" reunion. However, scheduling conflicts led to the change. Johansson and Driver, who previously collaborated in 2019's "Marriage Story," reunite in "Paper Tiger," albeit with limited shared screen time.

A Testament to Gray's Vision

Dennis Lim, artistic director of the NYFF, praised Gray, calling "Paper Tiger" a "career-best achievement." Lim highlighted the film's profound emotional depth and its ability to blend realistic portrayals with mythic grandeur, solidifying Gray's status as a preeminent New York and global filmmaker.

Johansson's Insights on Her Character

Prior to the Cannes premiere, Scarlett Johansson discussed her character, Hester, with The Hollywood Reporter, referring to the film as "a big story inside of a small story." She articulated her admiration for Hester's blend of femininity, softness, grace, and inner strength, noting her love for fashion, romantic comedies, and window shopping as integral aspects of her persona.

A Festival Highlight

The 64th New York Film Festival is scheduled to run from September 25th to October 12th, promising a diverse array of cinematic experiences.