Of all the surprising things to happen in 2025 so far, who would have expected two filmmakers known for their melodramatic styles—Darren Aronofsky and Derek Cianfrance—to branch out and direct light-hearted films set in the late 1990s, full of comic relief? Last month, it was Aronofsky with *Caught Stealing*, and now Cianfrance brings us *Roofman*.
Inspired by real incidents throughout North Carolina, *Roofman* has quickly become one of my favorite movies of the year. Set in late 1998, the film follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a divorced dad with a military background who is unemployed and struggling to afford his kids’ birthday presents. Despite his setbacks, Jeff is quick on his feet—literally and figuratively—and can devise and execute plans rapidly, such as breaking into a McDonald’s and stealing from the register to make up for his shortcomings with his family.
When Jeff is caught for kidnapping and robbery and sent to prison, he pulls off a daring prison break and begins living secretly in the ceiling of a Toys “R” Us outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Things take an unexpected turn when he forms a friendship with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a single mom who works at the store and is active in the town’s Presbyterian church choir and toy drive.
The supporting cast is packed with recognizable faces, including LaKeith Stanfield, Peter Dinklage, Emory Cohen, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jimmy O. Yang.
*Roofman* was co-written by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, marking the director’s return to the big screen following his HBO miniseries *I Know This Much Is True* (2020). Beyond being a funny and charming comedy-drama, the film also serves as a subtle counterpoint to Kogonada’s *A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey*, demonstrating that product placement can be more easily forgiven—or at least less distracting—if the story and final product are strong enough.
Though lighter in tone than his usual projects, *Roofman* still carries the cinematic DNA that Cianfrance is known for, which works well with this modest yet heartfelt story. Channing Tatum continues to prove himself as one of the best leading men of his generation, while Kirsten Dunst—one of my lifelong favorite actresses—delivers the standout performance, bringing genuine emotion to the film and even moving me to tears during a scene near the end.
If spooky films aren’t your thing this October, *Roofman* comes highly recommended as a refreshing and heartfelt alternative.
https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2025/10/26/movie-review-roofman-great-acting-comic-relief-true-story/
