Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman is a cinematic gem that blends humor, heart, and a touch of noughties nostalgia into a wildly entertaining true-crime tale. Led by Channing Tatum, this film transforms the bizarre real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester—a charismatic criminal who hid in a Toys R Us after escaping prison—into a exploration of redemption, love, and the search for belonging. With its sharp script, Roofman is a standout film of 2025, that will leave audiences rooting for its lovable antihero.
Tatum stars as Jeffrey Manchester, a former army veteran turned “polite robber” who masterminded over 40 McDonald’s heists by slipping through their roofs. After a botched robbery lands him in prison, he escapes and finds refuge in a Toys R Us, where he builds a secret life behind a false wall. Tatum is magnetic in this role, channeling his signature charm into a character who is equal parts genius and goofball. Tatum imbues Jeffrey with a childlike sincerity that makes you cheer for him, even when he’s breaking the law.
Cianfrance, known for the raw emotional intensity of Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, takes a lighter yet no less affecting approach here. His direction infuses Roofman with a warm, nostalgic glow, captured beautifully on 35mm film. The Toys R Us setting becomes a playground of adolescent fantasy, with Jeffrey indulging in bikes, trampolines, and peanut M&Ms, all while wrestling with his desire to be a better man.
The film’s heart lies in the tender romance between Jeffrey and Leigh, a single mother and Toys R Us employee played by Kirsten Dunst. Their doomed love story, set against the backdrop of Jeffrey’s secret life, is the emotional anchor that elevates Roofman beyond a mere crime caper. The script, penned by Cianfrance and Kirk Gunn, is genius, seamlessly weaving comedy, drama, and romance. What sets it apart from other true-crime stories is its refusal to glorify or vilify its protagonist. Jeffrey Manchester is neither a hero nor a villain but a deeply flawed man desperate to provide for his family and find a place in the world.
Roofman is a triumph for Tatum, Cianfrance, and everyone involved. It’s a film that celebrates the messy, beautiful humanity of its characters while delivering a wildly entertaining and intriguing ride.
Screening at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX from October 16.
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