“Tigers Are Not Afraid” manages to be deeply upsetting, intensely frightening, and remarkably well-made. The story centers on Estrella, a young girl living amidst Mexico's drug war who is given three wishes after learning about fairy tales at school. Upon returning home, she discovers her mother has disappeared and must fend for herself, joining forces with other boys whose families have also vanished or been killed. As she uses her wishes, she realizes each one carries an unexpected consequence. Now holding a gangster’s phone and being pursued by the gang's leader, the group is forced to flee while Estrella continues to witness strange visions and encounters with spirits. Drawing parallels to “Pan’s Labyrinth” or even “The Monkey’s Paw” isn’t unreasonable, considering both the narrative style and the underlying idea—using fantasy as a means of escaping from the world's terrors, and the importance of being cautious about what you desire. The film’s visuals aren’t quite as elaborate as those in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” leaning more toward a contemporary horror movie than a traditional fantasy adventure. The performances are solid, particularly given that the story largely revolves around child actors. There's a palpable sense of insecurity conveyed by these children, which reflects their situation—being left to navigate the world without direction or support. However, witnessing what they endure isn’t simple viewing. This is potentially a demanding film, dealing with tough subjects and disturbing images. I suspect some viewers might find certain elements too much to handle, so be advised. But if you can manage it, it's an enriching experience, which speaks volumes about the quality of the filmmaking and the skills of everyone involved. If a movie like this doesn’t connect emotionally, then it probably isn’t worth watching. Considering the feelings that this film generates, though, I believe it is definitely something you should see.

Source on TMDB