Tigers Are Not Afraid

Estrella is left alone after her mother vanishes and she ends up on the city streets. She falls in with a gang of older kids who share food, space, and risk, creating an uneasy found family. The group navigates a brutal urban landscape where danger comes from both human predators and the shadows of the night. Estrella clings to small mercies while learning hard truths about trust, loyalty, and the price of safety. The story unfolds through a vivid blend of grim realism and fantasy elements that hint at magical possibilities without losing sight of street level danger. The tone stays tense and intimate, focusing on a child's struggle to survive and belong.

Directed by Issa López, Tigers Are Not Afraid released in 2017 as an original screenplay from Mexico. López crafts a dark fantasy rooted in urban hardship, rather than adapting another work, and the film found audiences through international festival attention. Its release drew attention to Mexican horror and the role of female directors.

The film drew attention for its striking visuals and a fearless blend of fairy tale imagery with urban horror. It helped shape conversations about Latin American genre cinema and the power of child protagonists in dark fables.

Critics praised Paola Lara's performance and the film's stark look at abandonment and loyalty. It treats childhood as a fragile space where friendship can save you and where myths illuminate the bleak city nights. Magical hints critique neglect and corruption while keeping a clear child’s eye on survival. It lingers.

It gathered praise on the festival circuit and earned nominations at regional awards, recognizing López's direction and the cast's work. Paola Lara's breakout performance was highlighted, with the film's visual language and its willingness to tackle social issues. The film's voice resonates with audiences seeking genre cinema with social edges.