[yasr_overall_rating]
Two mercenaries ride a wave of pitch-black camaraderie as they travel through the desert night on their way to carry out a kidnapping in Iraq. As the raid progresses, their frenzied world turns in on itself as past misdeeds come to the surface, and violently threatening to tear them apart.
“Tiger Raid” is an exciting story focusing on the relationship between two Irish Mercenaries in the Iraqi Desert, both of whom are sent on a simple kidnapping by an unknown figure named Dave. Directed by Simon Dixon and written by Dixon, Gareth Coulam and based on Mick Donnelan’s play “Radio Luxembourg,” the mercenary’s volatile relationship unfolds and unforeseen events turn their plans upside down, testing their mental toughness to the limit! While the pace could be put into the “slow burner” category, the dialog, while stuffed with foul language, keeps the viewer interested enough in the characters interactions and development to be entertained.
The Iraqi landscape is beautifully presented before your eyes as a vehicle approaches the camera and driving the Jeep is Joe, played by Brian Gleeson (“Rebellion,” “Assassin’s Creed”). Bearded and with camo paint around his eyes, he speeds through the desert talking to a passenger, Paddy, played by Damian Molony (“Kill our Friends”). What’s immediately apparent, is the foul language. I personally didn’t find offense and feel it added to the story’s authenticity, however, other viewers may find it offensive. As they chat, discussing Irish politics and past conflicts, it becomes clear the two have very different point of views. Joe appears remorseless, even callous! Paddy on the other hand, appears to have a conscience, reacting angrily to comments from Joe such as “Just Tie Her Up” or “Keep that Hippy shit to yourself.” As they approach an Iraqi checkpoint, Joe shoots one guard in the head while Paddy cleans up the others. Quick and efficient, the writers showing you how well trained these guys are even when they don’t get along.
As they continue to drive it starts to feels a bit claustrophobic, with most of the storyline taking place inside the jeep. I was yearning for the wide open mountain ranges and open fields we were teased with at the start. However, I understand why the director uses this approach, building up a back-story and getting the viewers invested in them is never easy. On this occasion, I feel it worked very well, the dialogue flows nicely with the dark humor complementing the tense atmosphere. At one point Joe jokes about having sex with his own daughter! It’s one of those “you needed to be there” jokes but depending on your sense of humor it works well throughout the movie. Joe starts to have vivid flashbacks, red images of a woman’s face swirling around just out of focus. This only adds to the viewer’s ill feeling towards Joe and highlights his unpredictability.
Paddy on the other hand, is the polar opposite, while definitely dangerous and most likely mentally unstable he appears the picture of sanity. During the drive we discover Paddy got into trouble during a relationship with an Iraqi girl, Dave (the Boss) took him into hiding and has only recently returned. Immediately suspicious, Joe distances himself from Paddy, only for Joe to soften as their relationship/trust improves. Arriving at the house of the kidnap victim, Shadha played by Sofia Boutella (“Star Trek Beyond,” “The Mummy”), they find only one person home and not wanting any loose ends Joe decides to kill him, chopping him up in the empty swimming pool out back while casually chatting to Paddy about race horses. As the kidnap victim arrives she is immediately grabbed, tied up and interrogated. As Joe uses more and more violent techniques (breaking her nose), he walks away from the shouting Paddy, irate with his tactics. As Paddy gives the victim water, he discovers that Shadha is the local women he fell in love with. Confused and disorientated, Paddy tries to keep the truth from an even more suspicious and dangerous Joe. “Is this a test?” Paddy keeps asking himself. As Paddy struggles with himself, further events unfold that will surprise, annoy and ultimately delight viewers.
The portrayal of Joe by Brian Gleeson is, in my opinion, one of his best performances to date, adding a mental, slightly insane grittiness to the film. You could feel the emotion Joe was going through as it was written all over Brian Gleeson’s face. The mental spiral the character was falling into could not have been better interpreted, with anguish, fear and hate all rolled into one shot. With such a good performance I hope to see him in much more grittier, hard-hitting features in the future. Paddy, while many may feel is the central character, was portrayed well by Damian Molony alongside the more experienced Gleeson. While his range of emotions seems stunted compared to Gleeson, his performance was in no way overshadowed with a solid supporting role.
“Tiger Raid” is a tense, sometimes darkly funny kidnap story set in modern day Iraqi. While not immediately everyone’s first choice at the theater, the witty humor, decent character development, and interesting character relationships will not disappoint. If you are looking for lots of action, explosions and shootouts, look elsewhere. This is an entertaining, character-based narrative that will bore the action junkie but keep most viewers entertained and even a little amused.
“Tiger Raid” had its World Premiere recently at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival
