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"Paper Tiger," like a lot of writer-director James Gray's previous work, is a movie that looks like one thing and acts like another. His latest, which premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, has the stylistic grit of a 1970s crime drama, but the thriller aspects of the movie are really secondary to the family drama at the heart of the film.

Set in 1986 New York City - Queens, to be exact - "Paper Tiger" is another movie that shows Gray's ability to make his film seem ripped directly from a specific time and place. The period aesthetics never feel like decoration in the background, but help give the movie a sense of authenticity. "Paper Tiger" is brimming with period-specific style without showing off or drawing attention to itself.

Miles Teller stars as Irwin Pearl, an engineer who is always trying to do what's best for his family. He and his wife Hester (Scarlett Johansson) and their two boys get by financially but with no real sense of overwhelming comfort. One night Irwin's brother Gary (Adam Driver) shows up for a visit, but there's an immediate sense that Gary never just drops by to catch up over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table.

Irwin is excited to see Gary, in a way that suggests the two don't see each other often. Gary swoops in with his nice car and suit, always giving the impression he has enough money to throw around, while Irwin and Hester have to keep an eye on every dollar. But, Gary's impending divorce requires some extra money in his pocket. So, after some pleasantries and small talk, Gary leads Irwin down to the basement to discuss a business opportunity. Gary tells Irwin that a canal needs some development and the project could use an engineer. Irwin doesn't jump at the pitch immediately, but does so when Gary starts talking money.

The job should have been easy, until Irwin wants to take his sons down to see the canal and he quickly realizes he might be caught up in something he shouldn't be. Irwin discovers that Russian mafia are also involved, and that he and Gary might be stepping on some toes. Irwin learns this the hard way when his innocent night showing off the project to his boys turns their lives upside down.

What makes "Paper Tiger" so compelling is the small moments of unease that come from Irwin's decision to go down to the canal that night. From the immediate threats made against him and his sons that night to the fallout that continues, Irwin has to live his life on notice with the hope that Gary can smooth over the trouble his younger brother caused.

There's violence and overtly tense moments throughout "Paper Tiger," but where Gray excels is in highlighting the quiet anxiety of what might be lurking around the corner for Irwin and his family.

At home, Irwin and Hester can feel a bit disconnected, but a subplot involving Johansson's character brings light as to why. Her subplot, while feeling a bit underdeveloped and rushed, does ultimately have an effect on the larger story, while giving Johansson a few strong scenes to play in a supporting role.

Teller is doing some of his best work in years, after a string of disposable streaming titles and supporting parts in movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" failed to give the actor parts that were in line with the promise his career showed in the 2010s (including a breakout role in "Rabbit Hole" and his best performance to date in "Whiplash"). While "Paper Tiger" functions as an ensemble piece, Driver steals the show as the flashy but wounded ex-cop Gary. It ranks with some of Driver's best screen work to date.

Those looking for a propulsive shoot-'em-up crime thriller will be disappointed by "Paper Tiger." The movie's methodical pacing is purposeful in creating its lingering effect and tense atmosphere for Irwin and his family. Gray's ability to mold the crime movie into the family drama - and the family drama into the crime movie - helps "Paper Tiger" become an effective experience.