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“Roofman” opens with Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) — a former Army Ranger and father of three — robbing a McDonald’s. He profusely apologizes to three employees while forcing them into a walk-in freezer and even gives his coat to the manager.

The scene shows Jeffrey’s simultaneous kindness and bad decision making; a message woven throughout the film. Marketed as a comedy, “Roofman” features surprising depth among its absurdity, tackling themes like fatherhood and identity.

Director Derek Cianfrance’s first film since 2016 is a biopic, telling the ridiculous true story of real-life Manchester’s criminal activity, which includes escaping prison and living in a Toys “R” Us for six months.

“Roofman” gracefully blends comedy and drama, but at times, plays it safe. It feels like Cianfrance is trying to be crowd pleasing instead of groundbreaking. Still, a perfectly cast Tatum and charming Kirsten Dunst light up the screen, adding “Roofman” to the list of refreshing 2025 releases.

The film begins with a heartbroken Jeffrey, devastated that he can’t afford the best birthday party for his daughter. To earn more money, he starts robbing fast-food restaurants by cutting through the roof, earning himself the nickname “Roofman.”

After looting 45 McDonald’s, Jeffrey buys a new home and gives his daughter the perfect birthday, until police crash the party and arrest him.

He’s sentenced to 45 years in prison but escaped in 2004, only four years after his arrest. Jeffrey worked in the prison metal shop, and using his strong observation skills, hid underneath a delivery truck until it reached Charlotte, North Carolina.

Estranged from his wife and kids, Jeffrey lives in a hollowed-out area behind a Toys “R” Us bicycle display. Spying with baby monitors, he overhears Leigh Wainscott (Dunst), an employee, talking about a toy drive at her church. Jeffrey steals toys from the store and brings them to the church, where he meets Leigh. Soon after, they start a romantic relationship.

To accurately portray real-life Manchester’s surreal story, Cianfrance spent about 400 hours talking to Manchester on the phone, MSNBC reported. The director also spoke with Manchester’s family members, his church’s pastor, the judge who sentenced Manchester, police officers and Wainscott (now Leigh Moore). Tatum also chatted with Manchester in preparation for the role, describing him as a “wildly charismatic and warm human,” according to People.

This role feels like a melting pot of Tatum’s eclectic career. His performance is both comedic and emotional, capturing the duality of Jeffrey. Tatum is so convincing that I was actively rooting for and empathizing with a criminal.

In an interview with Time, Cianfrance said Manchester — who watched a clip of the movie — was happy with Tatum’s portrayal. Tatum’s performance has already earned him Oscar buzz.

I’m usually not a huge fan of her work, so maybe my expectations were low, but Dunst stole the show for me. Her performance feels so authentic, like she transformed into Leigh. Dunst puts on a hospitable Southern accent and a kind smile, radiating warmth like a classic pecan pie.

Both Tatum and Dunst control the tone of the film, especially through facial expressions. A few nights before Christmas, Leigh and her two daughters sing in their church choir. While Jeffrey watches from the congregation, his eyes well up with tears. It’s a poignant moment that reveals Jeffrey’s remorse for being dishonest with Leigh, who knows him only by his alias, John Zorn.

Cianfrance, who usually directs darker projects, successfully changes pace with “Roofman” by blending drama and comedy. During one scene, Mitch (Peter Dinklage), the Toys “R” Us manager, is petrified when he sees a soaped-up, naked Jeffrey, who was using the bathroom sink to bathe in the store after hours. I was dying of laughter in the theater.

Even with the tonal balance, Cianfrance uses the romance plot to avoid diving into riskier territory, like Jeffrey’s deeper psyche. We aren’t given much insight into his decision making or overall moral compass, giving me an indefinite stance on Jeffrey’s character.

Toward the end of the film, Jeffrey is taken into custody once again. An epilogue reveals he attempted to escape prison twice more — but was unsuccessful — and is eligible for parole in 2036. The ending felt underbaked, not mentioning his biological children or ex-wife. I was left wondering if they were still estranged.

However, I do give Cianfrance credit for tackling heavy themes. “Roofman” is more serious than I expected, which was a nice surprise. Jeffrey constantly looks at a photo of his children, reminding the audience of his guilt and longing. He tries to make up for the lost time by bonding with Leigh’s daughters, who he seems to genuinely care about.

There are many layers to peel back, with Cianfrance saying that Tatum plays three characters in the film: the veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life, the Roofman and Zorn — the man Jeffrey pretends to be and wishes he was.

While “Roofman” doesn’t completely buy into its honorable attempt at thematic depth, Cianfrance’s most lighthearted film yet is surprisingly touching. Fueled by exceptional lead performances from Tatum and Dunst, “Roofman” is a creative biopic filled with all the emotions.

Published on October 19, 2025 at 10:57 pm