Returning to the director’s chair after almost a decade away, Derek Cianfrance’s new film Roofman is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy film, featuring a career-best performance from Channing Tatum. Based on a true story, the film follows criminal Jeffrey Manchester (played by Tatum), who is imprisoned for robbing various McDonald’s stores and escapes from prison and hides out in a suburban Toys “R” Us store. Manchester falls in love with one of the store’s employees, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), and must navigate his relationship with her and the police manhunt aiming to rearrest him.
What makes Roofman so compelling is its performances. Channing Tatum is phenomenal as Manchester, expertly walking the tightrope between comedy and tragedy to create a performance that is truly special. Kirsten Dunst is also excellent as his love interest, Leigh, a single mother. Dunst is nuanced and heartbreaking in the role, perfectly capturing the pressure of navigating single parenthood. Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelson, Juno Temple and LaKeith Stanfield round out the supporting cast, and are all joys to watch, with Mendelson in particular turning in a hilarious performance as the town’s pastor.
Cianfrance navigates his material masterfully. No emotional moment feels trite, no gag feels forced, and the audience is left both laughing and crying. The film looks beautiful too, with incredible 35mm cinematography from director of photography Andrij Parekh that feels warm and inviting.
Overall, Roofman is a delightful film that is sure to be remembered as one of the highlights of the tragicomedy genre, and will absolutely be a wonderful night at the movies for families.
Watch Trailer: