Screening daily from Friday 24th May

In “Tiger Stripes,” Amanda Nell Eu takes us on a wild ride through the tumultuous world of puberty, friendship, and Malaysian folklore. The film, which premiered at Cannes Critics Week, has been making waves ever since, including at LIFF last November.

Set in a religious primary school, “Tiger Stripes” follows the story of Zaffan, a bold 12-year-old who finds herself at the mercy of both her changing body and the cruelty of her friends. When Zaffan starts menstruating, her life takes a terrifying turn as she begins to transform into a were-tiger, grappling with newfound urges and a growing sense of monstrosity.

What makes “Tiger Stripes” so captivating is its subversive take on genre and body horror, blending Malaysian folklore with a healthy dose of “Mean Girls” style teenage drama. Eu’s smart script turns Zaffan’s story into a parable about individuality and empowerment, exploring themes of shame, fear, and the freedom to express one’s true self.

With its strong casting and imaginative use of limited locations, “Tiger Stripes” is a testament to Eu’s talent as a director. From the lush green forests to the cramped confines of Zaffan’s home and school, Eu creates a world where the supernatural and the everyday collide, where girls can be both wild and innocent at the same time.

As Zaffan embraces her inner tiger and unleashes chaos on her unsuspecting community, “Tiger Stripes” becomes a thrilling exploration of power and freedom. With its exuberant energy and deliciously dark sense of humor, this is one Malaysian genre movie you won’t want to miss.

Chifae Maouelainine