Review: “Roofman”
By Morgan Roberts
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Writers: Derek Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn
Stars: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, Uzo Aduba, Peter Dinklage, Juno Temple, Emery Cohen, LaKeith Stanfield, Melonie Diaz, Molly Price, Lily Collias, Tony Revolori, Jimmy O. Yang, Kennedy Moyer
Runtime: 126 minutes
Year: 2025
For two years, Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) found himself robbing McDonald’s restaurants across the country. Meticulously planned, Manchester used the only skills he had following his time in the US Army to rob each McDonald’s, remaining calm and cordial to the workers inside. That is, until one day, Manchester’s robbery didn’t go as planned. While police could not confirm he was responsible for the 40-60 robberies attributed to The Roofman - Manchester entered buildings by hacking or sawing through the roof - he was ultimately sentenced to 45 years in prison.
In the film based on these true events, “Roofman” explores the real-life crimes of Jeffrey Manchester, investigating the ways poverty shapes of the lives of ordinary people, and how grace can be bestowed upon the most complicated people. Through voiceover, the film provides this background of Manchester’s life and what led to his incarceration which quickly became his escape. After escaping prison, Manchester lays low by hiding in a Charlotte, North Caroline Toys “R” Us store - remember those?! While in the store, he finds a place to hide during the day, roaming the store at night after disabling the security cameras. Soon, he becomes enamored by single mom, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) who works at the store. It is his eventual desire to connect with Leigh that begins the biggest risk he’s ever taken: hiding in plain sight.
Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst in “Roofman” | Paramount Pictures
The film follows the actual events quite closely, while, understandably, making some alterations for the flow of the film. On paper, “Roofman” appears to be some combination of a heist film and a rom com, but the film happens to be far more. At the core of the film is a deeply human understanding of the complicated circumstances Jeffrey found himself in. We know that the leading driver for people to join the military is poverty. As of writing this, in the midst of a government shutdown, we are witnessing service members and their families utilizing food banks as pay days come and go without checks or deposits. “Roofman” doesn’t have to fully spell it out for its audience for people to grasp the ways in which poverty have shaped Jeffrey’s life and been the catalyst for his choices. The film also understands that you can contextualize without condoning Jeffrey’s actions. The comedy of the film works because, even as an armed robber, Jeffrey is polite, calm, seemingly caring despite his act of violence. The film expertly allows for both truths of Jeffrey to exist: he is trying his best to provide for his family and in doing so, is partaking in criminal activity.
We see Jeffrey even try to reckon with his own decisions as he begins attending church with Leigh, becoming a member of that community. There is a drive to provide for Leigh and her two daughters, but that ultimately comes from a place of self-interest. His desire for connection outweighs any possible consequences not just for himself but for Leigh. It is truly striking that a film marketed so heavily on the hijinks and romance could be so deeply moving and empathetic. But that is unsurprising from a filmmaker like Derek Cianfrance who has always excelled in the murky complexity of people. Nevertheless, unlike some of his past work, “Roofman” feels like a film that wears its heart on its sleeve. It is certainly elevated by its performances. Tatum is at his best here, delving so earnestly into Jeffrey’s reality and worldview. One Wikipedia search tells you that Jeffrey’s days at Toys “R” Us were numbered before being captured again, so, we have to understand that even with his extreme intelligence, there is a caring person who struggles the path he has chosen. Tatum has always been great at comedy, but there are many heartfelt and tender moments that set this performance apart. And even with his touching moments, it is Dunst who is the heart of the film. She so assiduously walks in Leigh’s shoes. There are moments of Leigh’s compassion cut through the core of a scene, recentering the moment from jovial and comedic, to deeply human and sympathetic.
Furthermore, aiding this film are a host of lived-in supporting performances. From fellow former 82nd Airborne Division member turned criminal Steve (LaKeith Stanfield) to Toys “R” Us manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage), Pastor Ron Smith and his wife Eileen (Ben Mendelsohn and Uzo Aduba) to Leigh’s daughters Lindsay and Dee (Lily Collias and Kennedy Moyer), the film is populated with supporting performances that make the world we’ve entered feel complex and layered. No part is too small, and each actor feels real - I understand this is based off of a true story, but news interviews and documentary footage can only tell you so much about a person. You feel you understand who these people are, how they relate to one another and the journey they take us on. There are many times when a film has numerous big names, many supporting characters, and it can feel as if people are underutilized or the space feels too crowded. But in “Roofman,” it feels natural to have these characters make up the fabric of this story.
“Roofman” manages to retain the extraordinary nature of the true story, while exploring profoundly compassionate moments rooted in the humanity of its subjects. With moving performances and Cianfrance’s attune execution, the film is a rollercoaster worth your time.
Grade: A-
Pair This Film With: “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (2018) dir. Marielle Heller; “Kajillionaire” (2020) dir. Miranda July; “Mikey and Nicky” (1976) dir. Elaine May