Get ready for a coming-of-age story unlike any other. Tiger Stripes, the critically acclaimed debut feature from director Amanda Nell Eu, is set to hit theaters this June. The film, which won the Cannes Critics’ Week prize last year, tackles the complexities of puberty through a unique and unsettling lens of female body horror.
The story centers on Zaffan, a rebellious 12-year-old girl. Her carefree life takes a horrifying turn as she begins experiencing the physical changes of puberty. Struggling to maintain normalcy at school, Zaffan desperately tries to hide her transformations, leading to a growing sense of isolation and denial.
As Zaffan’s anxieties escalate, a wave of mass hysteria grips the school. Rumors of a dark presence and bizarre physical manifestations spread like wildfire. A visiting Medical Officer arrives, determined to banish the supposed demon plaguing the school. Tragically, his misguided investigation leads him to Zaffan, wrongly blaming her for the chaos.
Faced with public humiliation and the Medical Officer’s extreme methods, Zaffan undergoes a profound transformation. Like a cornered tiger, she sheds her inhibitions and unleashes her rage. She channels her fear and frustration into a powerful display of self-discovery.
Tiger Stripes is more than just a horror film; it’s a potent exploration of female identity and the societal anxieties surrounding puberty. Eu’s masterful direction and the raw performance of the young actress portraying Zaffan create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Tiger Stripes has garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit, receiving awards at prestigious events like the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival and the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. Watch it in theaters on June 14 (get tickets here) and VOD on July 9 from Dark Star Pictures.
