Demi Moore returned to the screen in the Gucci short film The Tiger, which debuted during Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday night. In this 30-minute production directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn, Moore plays Barbara Gucci, a powerful matriarch in an alternate Gucci universe, incorporating key elements of luxury fashion and surreal storytelling.
A Surreal Dinner Party Unfolds in an Alternative Gucci Universe
Set inside a fictional world where Barbara Gucci, portrayed by Moore, rules both Gucci International and the state of California, the film centers around a birthday dinner for her children, played by Edward Norton, Elliot Page, and Keke Palmer. Also present is a Vanity Fair journalist, portrayed by Ed Harris, who seeks to peer behind Barbara’s polished exterior. As the night progresses and the characters experience psychedelic influences, the family’s veneer begins to crack, exposing deeply flawed relationships and vulnerabilities. Supporting cast members include Alia Shawkat, Julianne Nicholson, Heather Lawless, Ronny Chieng, Kendall Jenner, and Alex Consani.
Directorial Blend Brings a Unique Edge to the Short Film
Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Jonze teamed up with breakout director Halina Reijn, known for her work on Babygirl, to craft a film that combines satire with striking and disorienting visuals. The result is a sharp, tense atmosphere that maintains an uneasy undercurrent throughout its runtime. Moore delivers a compelling performance reminiscent of her intense role in The Substance, embodying a woman teetering on the edge of control. Despite the film’s promotional connection to Gucci, its narrative depth and character complexity stand out prominently.
Fashion Week Premiere Doubles as a Runway Showcase
The premiere took place at the Milan Stock Exchange, effectively transforming the event into a fashion show spotlighting Demna’s inaugural collection as Gucci’s artistic director, entitled La Famiglia. Celebrities and models alike paraded the brown carpet wearing pieces from the new line, with Moore donning a breathtaking gold-beaded gown noted for its apparent weight. Attendees included Gwyneth Paltrow, who conversed with Moore, BTS’s Jin, Serena Williams, Anna Wintour, David Jonsson, and Alia Bhatt, underscoring the event’s glamour and cultural prominence.
Cast Impressions Highlight the Experience’s Impact
On the brown carpet, Elliot Page reflected on the experience of working with Moore, calling it “just a phenomenal experience” and praising her warmth and talent.
“Definitely trippy, pardon the pun — you’ll know what I mean based on the short,”
Page said.
“But it was just a phenomenal experience and she’s such a wonderful person, so sweet and kind to everyone. And obviously a tremendous actor, so getting to have my days working with Demi was the best.”
— Elliot Page, Actor
Julianne Nicholson, fresh from an Emmy win for her guest role in Hacks, appeared in a striking high-collared black velvet gown both on the carpet and in the film, where she and Heather Lawless portray eerie cousins reminiscent of The Shining. Their characters contribute to the unsettling atmosphere and eventual collapse of the family gathering.
“It felt like walking onto the set of a Fellini movie or some sort of trippy dream,”
Nicholson described working with Jonze and Reijn.
“It remains, up until this moment, something I’ve never experienced before and a fantastic ride.”
— Julianne Nicholson, Actress
The Intersection of Fashion and Film on a Grand Scale
The Tiger exemplifies the blending of high fashion and cinematic art, using Gucci’s new collection as a backdrop for an intense narrative about family, identity, and illusion. The film’s premiere at Milan Fashion Week highlights the shifting landscape where luxury brands embrace innovative storytelling to engage audiences beyond traditional advertising.
Given the star-studded cast and visionary direction, the short film is poised to attract both fashion enthusiasts and cinephiles. Its uneasy, almost surreal tone, coupled with sharp social commentary, signals a bold new approach for Gucci under Demna’s artistic leadership. As the fashion world continues to merge with broader cultural expressions, projects like The Tiger illustrate just how dynamic this evolution can be.
