Both Channing Tatum and Kristen Dunst charm audiences in Roofman, one of the funniest yet most emotional movies of the year.
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Run Time: 126′
Rated: R
BFI London Film Festival Screening: October 14-15, 2025
U.S. Release: October 10, 2025
U.K. Release: October 17, 2025
Where to Watch: In U.S. theaters and in U.K. & Irish cinemas
Back in 2000, the so-called polite robber Jeffrey Manchester, also known as ‘Roofman’, was sentenced to 45 years for up to 60 counts of armed theft. His various violations went unsolved for two years, until he was apprehended for committing robberies of two different McDonald’s on the same day. A legacy that could have seen Manchester framed as a violent criminal never came to be, as his misdemeanors were always carefully planned so he never had to hurt a fly. He even offered a McDonald’s manager his coat when forcing him into a freezer at gunpoint.
This almost innocent demeanor shines through in Channing Tatum’s portrayal of Manchester, the titular character in Derek Cianfrance’s latest feature Roofman.
What makes Manchester’s story especially interesting, and what sparked interest across the world, is that in 2004, he escaped prison in the back of a truck. From there, he made his way across the state of North Carolina and hid inside of a Toys “R” Us. The main bulk of the narrative in Roofman shows Manchester residing for four years inside the same toy shop, spying, stealing goods for himself to sell on, and more importantly (and most integral to the story), falling in love with a charming woman named Leigh (Kristen Dunst, of Civil War).
His relationship with Leigh begins with a lot of lovebombing, as he meets her children and gives them gifts, ones he has stolen from the shop shelves. But as they grow as a couple, and devote themselves to faith, Leigh and the Pastor (Ben Mendelsohn, of Andor) see Manchester as nothing but a ray of sunshine at the church they attend together.
Tatum and Dunst play a convincing and passionate couple, as their characters fall more and more in love with each other. There’s not a doubt in Leigh’s mind that Manchester isn’t who he says he is; after all, if he’s playing the man of her dreams, why would she question it? Tatum really is at his prime in Roofman. His comedy roles have rarely fallen short, but his depiction of a man who’s emotional and caring even if he is a criminal is something distinct and praise-worthy. By the end, we start to believe everything he’s done has been for the benefit of others, and he’s not in fact, on the run from the police. There’s also a short but very potent performance from LaKeith Stanfield as Steve, Manchester’s best friend.
It’s a biopic that makes you laugh, with certain scenes full of emotion, especially those between Manchester and his kids. It sometimes seems too outlandish to be a true story. Yes, some parts are dramatised to make it more entertaining, but even the fact that Manchester actually lived inside of Toys “R” Us for that long seems fictitious in itself. How can he be a culprit at large?
Whilst it’s not the comedy of the year (The Wedding Banquet and Twinless, you are taking the top two spots!) Roofman palpably delivers assured performances, a great script by Cianfrance and Kirk Gunn, and a heartfelt time that has the potential to become a not so guilty pleasure movie of mine.
Roofman: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
A convicted felon escapes prison and spends four years on the run. Little do the police know, he’s spent his time hiding in a Toys “R” Us and creating a whole new life for himself.
Pros:
- A great lead performance from Channing Tatum
- The script is compelling and justifies its just over 2 hour runtime
- Some really funny one liners, making it a standout comedy
Cons:
- Some loose ends that could have been tied up or explained more
Roofman will be screened at the BFI London Film Festival on 14-15 October, 2025. The movie is now available to watch in U.S. theaters and will be released in U.K and Irish cinemas on 17 October, 2025.
