Roofman is a hugely entertaining bold crime-comedy / drama that feels like part caper, part character study, and entirely compelling. From the first rooftop break-in you know this is more than your typical heist film, it's a story of longing, escape, and unexpected redemption.
Based on the bizarre true story of Jeffrey Manchester, the film stars Channing Tatum as the eponymous Roofman, a U.S. Army veteran turned McDonald's robber who escapes prison and lives hidden for six months inside a Toys-R-Us under an alias. Kirsten Dunst plays Leigh, a single mom and store employee who slowly becomes entwined in his double life through charm, deception and romance. The cast are all great and Channing Tatum, (Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street) gives perhaps his most emotionally complex role yet and Kirsten Dunst, (The Virgin Suicides and Spider-Man), delivers luminous depth as Leigh.
Stylistically, director Derek Cianfrance blends absurdity with tenderness: gritty small-town realism, muted colour palettes in the daylight, soft warm tones in the store at night, and a narrative that shifts between light comedy and heartbreaking introspection. Themes of isolation, identity, guilt, and the human desire to be seen anchor the story firmly. Critically, Roofman has earned strong praise and reviewers especially highlight Tatum's layered performance, the chemistry with Dunst, and the film's deft tonal balance of blending comedy, action and drama. Really good entertaining fun from start to finish and perhaps is one of the most enjoying surprises of the year so far.
You might like Roofman if you enjoyed Catch Me If You Can and The Place Beyond the Pines.
