Tyger Tyger (2021)


Director:
Kerry Mondragon

Running Time: 92 Minutes

Starring: Sam Quartin, Dylan Sprouse, Nekhebet Kum Juch, Craig Stark, Max Madsen


For his feature-debut, writer/director Kerry Mondragon opens with a pharmacy robbery. In the midst of a pandemic, the armed gang intend to distribute the life-saving medication for those who need it, acting as Robin Hood in a western setting. During this, they cross paths with a drug-addict named Luke (Dylan Sprouse) who ends up joining them on a road-trip.

Style oozes out of this feature from the opening credits, as the proceedings relish in the sun-drenched scenery, where a sweltering landscape comes alive with a spirited score. When such life is put into the terrain, one wishes some of that effort was transferred to the plot. As the road-trip reaches a post-apocalyptic community, the characters integrate themselves into the lifestyle of these eccentric locals. It's merely the most lasting stop on this aimless route, as the plot drags while half-baked characters spout dime-store philosophy.



It's sometimes necessary to take a breather and spend some down-time with characters, yet little insight feels offered to the leads, with the cast doing their best with the bare material. The inactive plot feels where Mondragon is most comfortable, as attempts to insert conflict or jeopardy feel convoluted, while intrusive ADR provides heavy-handed inclusions. By the end, viewers will be utterly surprised by the ending, although that's because it's an insulting way to close things.

Tyger Tyger is released 28th June on all digital platforms

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