The script of Tiger Stripes is a potent and wonderfully fresh approach on its genre.
While the topic of growing and navigating changes is a story that will always be important, having a different spin on the notion is still beneficial in separating a film from its rivals and Tiger Stripes shines in this aspect. Seizing the opportunity to remain as serious as ever with its tale and concept, Zaffan's development into a were-tiger-like monster is one that is remarkably different from the likes of the more amusing Teen Wolf or Pixar's Turning Red.
This is especially more fascinating as her abilities go beyond a typical were-animal narrative. Eu's writing makes a quite good job of keeping viewers engaged in Zaffan's well-being even as she gets more and more violent by properly depicting her background before this slow change. Seeing her friends turn on her elevates the stakes as we wait to see if she will try to resist her animalistic side and remember how she cares for them, even if her parents show no change as the narrative goes on. This is even more intriguing as her abilities expand outside of a standard were-animal narrative.
With Her Performance, Zafeen Zairizal Dominates The Screen
For a film, casting younger performers is never a simple task, particularly one in which they perform the major part. They have great duty to be not only a good but also a believable performance. Fortunately for Eu, Zafeen Zairizal shows to be an absolute find with her part as Zaffan, displaying acting abilities much above her years that should, in a just society, make her a star way outside of her native nation.
Zairizal demonstrates a remarkable capacity to traverse the two quite distinct faces of Zaffan over the film. From the first minutes of capturing a viral dance fad on her smartphone to her worries of what she's turning into to full-on savage killings, Zairizal deftly conveys the spectrum of feelings her character has as she comes to terms with what's happening to her.
Eu's direction and Jimmy Gimferrer's gorgeous visuals are
Among the other highlights are Jimmy Gimferrer's photography and Eu's direction. Mostly using natural lighting and surroundings, the pair has created a really beautiful visual palette that invites viewers into the narrative with every moment. The climax of the film enhances this even more since it causes Zaffan to undergo the most amazing metamorphosis using mostly practical effects with one CGI piece that is quite unsettling to view.
Unfortunately, the hurried finish of Tiger Stripes cannot be made up for with this lovely direction. The film moves at a consistent enough speed, but its ending is somewhat too short and lacks any significant responses to what came before it. For some of its characters, it could have provided a better feeling of closure by using an additional twenty to thirty minutes of narration. Though it may leave some disappointed and wanting to know more, the film at least leaves us having gone on a clever and fierce journey into young womanhood, and Tiger Stripes' ending well correlates with the general ideas and messaging of the movie.
Tiger Stripes: A Novel Viewpoint
Though they most usually follow a realistic and simple path to the tale, the coming-of- age genre has seen a great range of approaches to the paradigm, from the more humorous My Girl to the Oscar-winning Moonlight. Then along comes Tiger Stripes, the Body Horror film Malaysia's nomination for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars following its praised debut at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Though it doesn't quite soar, writer-director Amanda Nell Eu's feature debut is insightful and interesting, combining gut-wrenching body horror with original comparisons between adolescence and transition.
Often to the dismay of the teachers at her religious school, Tiger Stripes centers on Zaffan, an 11-year-old girl living a largely tranquil and carefree existence in her small Malaysian hamlet, under strong mother control. Zaffan will find herself not only becoming an outcast to her friends and family but also transforming into something far more powerful when puberty arrives and she starts seeing a range of changes to her body.
Coming drama Tiger Stripes explores the complexity of personal development and interpersonal interactions.
The narrative centers on a group of people negotiating their linked life and working with ideas of identity, belonging, and atonement.
The movie approaches these subjects from a different angle and crafts a fascinating and provocative story. Tiger Stripes looks to be a definite hit with a gripping story and outstanding ensemble.
