Roofman is a new film now in theaters, following its premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Written by Derek Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, and directed by Cianfrance, the film stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage.
The story follows a former Army Ranger and struggling father who begins robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting through their roofs—earning him the nickname “Roofman.” After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, hiding in plain sight while planning his next move. But when he falls for a divorced mother who’s drawn to his strange charm, his double life starts to crack, setting off a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past threatens to catch up with him.
I honestly can’t remember where or when I first heard about this movie. However long it’s been on my radar, I wasn’t nearly as excited for it as I probably should’ve been—especially as a longtime fan of Derek Cianfrance. Tatum hasn’t really wowed me in a while, and while I love Cianfrance’s work, his films have never leaned into comedy, which gave me some pause. Plus, with October packed with releases—reminiscent of the oversaturated lineups we saw in 2022—Roofman wasn’t exactly at the top of my list.
That said, after watching it, I have to admit: I should’ve gone in with higher expectations.
Cianfrance brings humanity to a complex figure—someone the public sees as charming but the authorities deem dangerous. He’s at his best when exploring the moral gray areas of human behavior, which makes him a natural fit for a story like this. Roofman is a fitting title, giving the character a sense of heroic importance. He’s not driven by selfish motives; he operates by a personal code, especially when dealing with hostages. His actions, while criminal, are rooted in a desperate attempt to support his family. Between his quiet compassion and emotional vulnerability, it becomes surprisingly easy to root for the so-called “bad guy.”
The synopsis emphasizes that he’s a military veteran, but aside from a few fleeting references in the film, that aspect of his identity is underexplored. It feels like a missed opportunity to delve into the challenges many veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life. Even so, the character remains deeply relatable—a flawed, everyday man trying to survive in a world that’s left him behind. Portraying that kind of quiet struggle isn’t easy, but Channing Tatum rises to the challenge, delivering one of the most grounded and affecting performances of his career.
While Tatum anchors the film with a compelling blend of humor and humanity, Kirsten Dunst excels opposite him, bringing warmth, compassion, and a quiet sense of forgiveness. Their chemistry adds emotional weight to the story, and I couldn’t help but admire just how consistently strong Dunst’s performances have been in recent years.
The film also features a robust ensemble, many of whom shine just as brightly as the leads. Peter Dinklage stands out in a villainous role, injecting sharp humor while serving as a clear moral foil to Tatum’s character. However, with such a stacked cast, some characters feel unnecessary—Ben Mendelsohn and Uzo Aduba’s roles, while well-acted, could have been trimmed without losing much. The film already has more than enough star power and narrative momentum to stand on its own.
I had concerns going in about how the film would balance comedy with Cianfrance’s typically grounded tone, but the humor works precisely because it feels authentic. The film is just as funny as it is suspenseful, and even though it’s based on a true story, it constantly defies expectations. Visually, the cinematography is solid throughout, and a standout one-take sequence hints at what could have been a bolder visual style. While it never detracts from the experience, a bit more visual flair in the tense moments could have elevated the film even further.
Overall, Roofman offers a fresh take on the superhero archetype—one grounded in realism and emotional complexity. Channing Tatum delivers one of the strongest performances of his career, while Kirsten Dunst is exceptional in her role opposite him, adding depth and heart. The film strikes a careful balance between humor, heart, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you’re looking for something bold and original, Roofman is not one to miss.
VERDICT: 4/5 – Great
The Creative Cinematic Collection 
You must be logged in to post a comment.