Tigers and Hyenas: A Roaring Letdown or a Prowling Success?
Ah, the new action film directed by Jeremy Guez, Tigers and Hyenas, is out! Available on Amazon Prime, it promises tension, drama, and probably a bit too much in the way of familial angst. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Paris—because nothing says high stakes quite like a baguette in one hand and a heist plan in the other—this film tells the story of Malik, a young man who has to resort to robbery to save his stepdad, Serge. Quite the predicament, isn’t it? Almost makes me think of my own family reunions.
Plot Overview: Guilt and Grits
So, Serge gets arrested after a heist gone belly-up, which is always a fun Tuesday in any family. Malik, returning from a jaunt in Spain—because let’s be honest, what’s a little robbery between family?—finds out about Serge’s predicament and decides to play Robin Hood, albeit with less charity and more mayhem. He takes up the offer from Iris, a lawyer who seems to care more about the money than the morals, to assemble a ragtag team of ex-cons for one last job. You know, because nothing says family love quite like planning a felony.
Characters: Flat as a Pancake or Depth Like the Seine?
The cast features Poor Sersoub as Malik, who seems as troubled as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. We also have Geraldine Nakache playing Iris, the lawyer who, let’s face it, would sell her mother for a quick buck, and Sofiane Zermani as Avi, Malik’s wannabe mentor who probably has more baggage than a transatlantic flight. The film is rife with tension and supposed character depth, but let’s be real: if these characters were any flakier, they’d be a pastry in a Parisian café.
Theme Exploration: Family, Criminality, and a Touch of Philosophy
The film opens with a quote from Arthur Schopenhauer: “Man is not second in cruelty and ruthlessness to any tiger or hyena.” And frankly, by the looks of it, the characters seem to take this quite literally. Family ties are fished out and twisted, and steroid-induced dilemmas surface as Malik grapples with his moral compass while contemplating robbery. The message is there, beautifully wrapped in heavy philosophical undertones—but like a poorly gift-wrapped present, it loses weight as it tumbles to the floor.
Direction and Cinematography: A Slow Burn with Mixed Results
The pacing here is about as sleek as a car in a Parisian traffic jam. There are nice touches with the camera movements—slow and dramatic for the tear-jerking moments, yet hurried for the action sequences. It’s like a dance that’s gone offbeat; you know there’s potential, but it’s all a bit… off. The editing attempts to draw you into the thriller genre but comes off feeling more like a meandering stroll than a dizzying heist.
Conclusions: A Solid Structure, but Where’s the Spark?
Tigers and Hyenas leads with a promising narrative arc and a classic structure for a heist film—introduction, crew assembly, heist planning, and finally, the big score. But here’s the kicker: it feels like the excitement has been left out in the cold. Lacking punchy action scenes and dialogue that sticks out like a sore thumb, the film leaves much to be desired.
It’s like ordering a gourmet burger but receiving a flat sack of mystery meat instead—fun to look at but likely to leave you feeling underwhelmed and a little disappointed.
So, grab your popcorn for the show, but keep your expectations in check. Like any good heist, it’s all about the execution, and unfortunately, this one might feel more like an escape room gone wrong than a thrilling adventure through Paris’s underbelly.
Jeremy Guez’s new action film, Tigers and Hyenas, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, captivating audiences with its thrilling narrative. Primarily set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris, the film follows Malik, a young man who is compelled to execute a robbery in a desperate bid to rescue Serge, his stepfather, who has been imprisoned after a botched heist. The gripping question arises: just how far is Malik willing to go to save the man who once saved his life?
The film boasts a talented cast, featuring Poor Sersoub in the leading role of Malik, Geraldine Nakache portraying Iris, an unscrupulous lawyer entangled in the plot, and Sofiane Zermani as Avi, an ex-criminal whom Malik seeks to enlist for his risky endeavor.
Hunting with tigers – A plot of tension and weaknesses
The narrative kicks off with Serge, Malik’s stepfather, who faces arrest alongside his accomplices following a disastrous robbery. Upon returning from Spain, Malik is confronted with this bleak reality and reluctantly accepts Iris’s proposition: to orchestrate a heist with Chérif’s former crew, a client of Iris’s. In return, Iris promises that Serge will be freed. Consumed by guilt for the debt he owes to the man who once saved him, Malik agrees to the risky plan, setting the stage for a last-minute coup aimed at overturning the trial outcome for Serge and his co-defendants.
The title explained
The film opens with a striking quote from Arthur Schopenhauer:
man is not second in cruelty and ruthlessness to any tiger or hyena.
This poignant phrase draws a compelling parallel between the darker instincts of humanity and the ferocity of wild beasts, highlighting the destructive tendencies that arise within the group during the intricate heist planning. The themes of predator and prey surface as the characters scrutinize the morality of their actions. This tumultuous dynamic between predator and prey is hinted at throughout the film, revealing the characters’ ruthless and cold-hearted determination as they ruthlessly eliminate any opposition toward achieving their objectives.
How the direction comes into contact with the rhythm of the film
The film showcases a juxtaposition of deliberate and slow-moving camera techniques that emphasize its dramatic undertones. In contrast, the editing intelligently intersperses scenes to highlight sequences that resonate with classic thriller elements. This carefully crafted balance elevates the tension on screen, creating an engaging narrative arc typical of heist films: the setup of the dilemma, negotiation tactics, team assembly, meticulous planning, and ultimately the execution of the grand heist. However, this same balance can occasionally create ambiguity regarding genre expectations, leading to moments where the film’s pace wanes.
Moreover, there is an evident attempt to pay homage to the legendary stair scene from The Untouchables, yet due to directorial choices, this tribute doesn’t reach its fullest potential. The sequence lacks the iconic power that defines Brian de Palma’s original, failing to stir the same visceral excitement.
Malik and the relationship with the other characters
Malik emerges as a novice in the criminal underworld, struggling with his inexperience as he looks to Avi to fill the role of an older brother while also finding a second family in Ange and Azzedine. This bond adds emotional depth as Malik attempts to reassure his madre, promising her that everything will be okay, all while hiding the harsh truths from his girlfriend, Estelle. Despite his desire to protect Serge, he increasingly crosses ethical boundaries, showcasing the internal conflict between familial loyalty and moral integrity.
The topics covered
The themes of family and the inherent desire to safeguard loved ones stand as the central pillars of the film, driving the narrative but also leading to sacrifices and betrayals that Malik will face as the plot unfolds. While the intent to defend one’s family sends a commendable message, the film struggles to fully realize its thematic ambitions, often hindered by superfluous dialogues that slip into the realm of banality.
Conclusions on the film
Tigers and Hyenas presents a robust narrative framework and skillful editing that elevate the heist genre. Nevertheless, it falters in its content. The uninspiring dialogue and lack of memorable action sequences prevent the film from delivering the thrill and emotional depth its premise promises. The film, despite its intriguing potential, ultimately emerges as a forgettable experience, lacking the potency to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
What are the main criticisms of character development in *Tigers and Hyenas* according to the film critic’s analysis?
**Interview with Film Critic: Analyzing “Tigers and Hyenas”**
**Interviewer:** Welcome! Thanks for joining us today to discuss Jeremy Guez’s new film, *Tigers and Hyenas*. To start, what are your overall impressions of the film?
**Guest:** Thank you for having me! *Tigers and Hyenas* certainly has an intriguing premise, with its setting in Paris and the high-stakes narrative revolving around family bonds and criminality. However, while the film has a solid structure typical of heist narratives, it often falls flat in execution, leaving viewers wanting more.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the narrative structure. How does it compare to classic heist films?
**Guest:** It follows the traditional arc quite faithfully: the setup, team assembly, planning, and the heist itself. However, it sometimes feels like it misses the mark when it comes to delivering the exhilarating moments that characterize the genre. Instead, it presents a meandering pace that can lead to moments of ambiguity regarding its genre expectations.
**Interviewer:** That definitely aligns with what I’ve heard. You also highlighted some character development issues. Can you elaborate on that?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The characters, while they have potential for depth, come across as rather flat. Poor Sersoub as Malik is troubled but lacks the nuance to make his struggles genuinely engaging. The supporting cast, like Geraldine Nakache’s Iris, skews toward stereotype rather than complexity. It feels like they could have had richer arcs, but instead, they remain relatively one-dimensional.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of character motivations, how do you find the philosophical undertones embedded in the film?
**Guest:** The film opens with a quote from Schopenhauer that sets a potentially thought-provoking tone regarding the cruelty of humanity. However, while the themes of predator versus prey are intriguing, they don’t fully translate into the characters’ choices and actions, which could have elevated the film. It’s a bit like a beautifully wrapped gift that, when opened, reveals something less impressive.
**Interviewer:** And what do you think of the direction and cinematography?
**Guest:** The direction attempts to create a dramatic atmosphere through slow-moving camera techniques, which can be effective. However, the editing feels misaligned at times, leading to a rhythm that resembles more of a leisurely stroll rather than the thrilling chase we expect in heist films. There are commendable moments, but they don’t coalesce into a satisfying whole.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you think *Tigers and Hyenas* has the potential to resonate with audiences despite its shortcomings?
**Guest:** There’s certainly a market for action and heist films, and some viewers may appreciate the attempt to blend familial themes with criminality. However, I believe most audiences will feel somewhat underwhelmed, akin to ordering a gourmet burger and receiving a disappointing substitute. It’s entertaining in parts, but it lacks the spark that one would hope for in a film of its genre.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for the insightful analysis! It seems like while *Tigers and Hyenas* has its merits, there’s room for improvement.
**Guest:** Absolutely! Here’s hoping Jeremy Guez’s future projects find that balance between intention and execution.
