Directed by Derek Cianfrance and based on a true story, Roofman may be one of the best films of 2025. Based on actual events with realistic components that touch the heart, it maintains its writing and characterizations with realism. This film is just stellar with wide ranges of tour-de-force performances by Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage. A lot of nostalgic feelings came to me, especially since the film takes place in a Toys “R” Us store. A criminal runs from the law, but also attempts to start over, but the common ground has misconceptions with a solid purpose. No one does it better than Cianfrance.
Tatum is Jeffrey Manchester, a criminal known for breaking into places via the roofs. This is how he makes most of his profits. Then there comes a point where he gets caught and spends many years in prison. Once that happens, he escapes and finds himself in a Toys “R” Us store. He utilizes the store as his base to hide from the law. He creates a living space and messes with the security systems. What can go wrong?
As he spends his days throughout the store he finds meaning, with moments of him doing narration about what he is learning from his solitude. It is a representation of wanting to start over. Even though this takes place in the quirkiest of places, it is a true story that thrives on it’s realism to captivate. Tatum knocks it out of the park. Especially with his witty personality among learning the people who work in the Toys “R” Us. He learns about Mitch (Dinklage), a not-so-understanding store manager, who is oblivious to the fact that Jeffrey is hiding in his store. Then there is also Leigh (Dunst), a store employee, who Jeffrey finds a way to form a relationship with. To get the many positives of his life, the store becomes his vehicle and works to his advantage.
The realistic consequences await on the other side in Roofman. The shadiness of what is going on is writing on the wall. Cianfrance creates this pattern that shows that Leigh loves Jeffrey, but that she also feels there is something fishy about him. Jeffrey is on the run from the law, and the Toys “R” Us is out there. One wrong move can mean his life is over. The direction of Cianfrance is one that has audiences wondering how heavy the consequences can be in Roofman. At the same time though, he dazzles the characterization of Jeffrey wanting redemption more than anything. He also provides perspective that Jeffrey’s intention may be good, but his choices are just flawed.
This is such a fascinating true story that feels like audiences are playing along within the film. I felt like I was strolling through an empty Toys “R” Us repeatedly. I also wondered when Dinklage was going to go into panic mode. It came around alright, and he nailed it well. A championship true story of laughs, seriousness, and honesty. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Roofman.
Movies with Tarek 