The Wasteland Reviewer

Roofman (2025) Written Review

Would you want to live inside a Toys”R”Us? This was probably the dream of so many children growing up for those old enough to spend their time at a store like this. Having the store to yourself at night to play with whatever you want sounds like such a great time! But this dreamlike reality was not a dream for Jeffrey Manchester. This man’s life was quite intriguing as he garnered the moniker “Roofman”. The new film from filmmaker Derek Cianfrance, Roofman, tells the tale of Manchester as he went on the run after escaping prison. His crimes? Breaking into stores, via the roof, to steal from them. But Manchester makes a terrible mistake…he is human and falls for a religious woman and her family. 

How does Cianfrance approach such a different type of film like Roofman? He is known for gritty and challenging films like The Place Beyond the Pines. But this film is more than a funny crime tale that you might expect from the trailers. Do be clear…this is a funny film. When you have a talented group of performers like Cianfrance does, you can get a lot of mileage out of the unexpected scenarios in Manchester’s story. But there are also plenty of deeply emotional moments. You have multiple scenes when Manchester is confronting the feelings he has developed for Leigh Wainscott and vice versa. This film is not going to let you go unengaged or unmoved. Cianfrance does a great job delivering the sincerity that is needed to make those emotional beats hit the way that they do. Then you also have some intense moments as well. Let’s not forget, Manchester is a thief. Most of those moments are played for laughs but then you have one climactic one that captures the true gravity of this unfortunate situation. Cianfrance had the right approach for Manchester’s story and delivered quite well. The filmmaking is subtle yet effective and the music gives an underlying strength to the narrative’s emotional core. 

Does Roofman make the most of Manchester’s extraordinary story? The film act of the film is a little drawn out and scattered but once the film settles in, there is no turning back. The narrative has plenty of expected beats and things play out in a way that won’t surprise you. But there is enough charm here to truly engage the audience and get them past that. The themes are simple yet moving. Valuing the time and people you have over what you can buy for them is a sincere and meaningful message that Cianfrance gets across well. The characters certainly give the film the needed depth and impact that Manchester’s incredible story deserves. Manchester makes for an empathetic and flawed protagonist who works perfectly for a film like this. Leigh is a richly realized human being herself and the dynamic that develops between them (and her two daughters) is the heart of the film. The script has plenty of good humor, emotional beats, and intense scenarios that will keep you mostly engaged for the whole two hours. 

Outside of Cianfrance’s filmmaking, what element truly makes Manchester’s story come to life? Roofman benefits greatly from its impressive cast. This is one of the best performances of Channing Tatum’s career. He delivers on the humor and physicality that we usually expect from him. But the emotional elements of his performance might surprise you with the amount of depth he brings to this character and the story. Kirsten Dunst gives a top-notch performance as well with a brilliant combination of strength, charm, and emotion. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and instantly gains buy-in for their budding relationship. One scene really captures this connection (and the tragedy of their love) as they stare at one another during a church performance. There are plenty of great supporting performers in the film as well. Peter Dinklage is hilarious and such a jerk as Leigh’s boss. Emory Cohen as a smaller role as Leigh’s coworker but his empathetic performance pays off so well in a key climactic moment. LaKeith Stanfield is a great anchoring presence with his effortless humor as well as a gravity that reminds the audience (and Manchester) of just how grave this situation truly is. Uzo Aduba and Ben Mendelsohn leave quite an impression on the audience as the married couple who run Leigh’s church. You even have a few recognizable minor turns from familiar faces like Juno Temple, Tony Revolori, and Jimmy O. Yang. This cast is so special, and they sell so many funny, emotional, and tense moments for the audience. 

Is Roofman a must-see experience for the fall movie season? This film is so infectious and hard to deny. There is a wonderful mixture of humor, emotion, and thrills. Manchester’s story has plenty of engaging elements as well as emotional resonance. Tatum and Dunst deliver a pair of impressive performances that grab you and draw you in. Cianfrance has a wonderful film in his hands that will engage the audience for sure.