Roofman (2025)

Dir: Derek Cianfrance

Cast: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield, Ben Mendelsohn, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, Peter Dinklage

Derek Cianfrance delivers a true-crime caper that feels both light on its feet and deeply heartfelt, letting Channing Tatum shine with such irresistible charm that you cannot help but cheer for the real-life serial burglar

True-crime stories have exploded in popularity lately, to the point where you cannot scroll through TV listings or streaming platforms without coming across another new murder documentary or dramatic re-enactment. Netflix stands out as a chief enabler of this obsession, especially with its hit anthology series “Monster”, now entering its third season and turning its lens on the chilling crimes of serial killer Ed Gein.

While shining a light on notorious killers and criminals is crucial in raising awareness to protect future generations, Netflix and other studios often blur the line between cautionary tale and morbid fascination, sometimes reveling in the darkness more than warning against it. This fixation on the most shocking cases means that some truly remarkable stories get overlooked, like the almost unbelievable saga of serial burglar Jeffrey Manchester.

Unlike the psychopathic figures who usually headline true-crime hits, Manchester was known for his intelligence and empathy, perhaps explaining why his story has flown under the radar. Beginning in 1998, he targeted McDonald’s restaurants across the United States, reportedly robbing between 40 and 60 locations, with most of his heists unfolding in Charlotte, North Carolina. His signature modus operandi, consisting of extensive planning and drilling through roofs under the cover of darkness, earned him the moniker “Roofman”, now the title of the first film to chronicle his extraordinary spree.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance, “Roofman” made its debut at TIFF in September, then continued to dazzle audiences at galas throughout the fall festival circuit before its UK cinema release on 17th October. The film’s marketing hinted at a new direction for Cianfrance, moving away from the raw, emotionally charged dramas that defined his earlier work, such as “Blue Valentine” (2010) and “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012). This marks his first time in the director’s chair since 2016, with his only other recent credit being co-writer of the excellent Oscar-nominated “Sound of Metal” in 2020.

Our introduction to Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) finds him at rock bottom: recently divorced, struggling to support his three young children after leaving the US Army. His friend Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), a fellow 82nd Airborne Division veteran, reminds him of his uncanny perception and sharp observational skills—talents Jeffrey soon channels into a string of daring McDonald’s robberies across the country. As the enigmatic “Roofman”, he captures media fascination, but his run ends in dramatic fashion when he is arrested at his daughter’s birthday party and sentenced to 45 years in prison, with his ex-wife severing his connection with his children.

In 2004, using his charm and attention to routines, Jeffrey manages to escape from prison by hiding under a truck and hitchhiking to Charlotte, NC, in makeshift street clothes. Having contacted Steve, who can arrange for him to leave the country under a fake identity, Jeffrey is advised to lie low until the heat is off, allowing him to flee the United States. The subject of a nationwide police manhunt, Jeffrey is forced to hide in a nearby Toys “R” Us, where he conceals himself during the day and roams the store at night. With his loneliness getting the better of him, the increasingly daring Jeffrey opts to venture into the community under the pseudonym John Zorn, where he is accepted by the local church pastor, Ron Smith (Ben Mendelsohn), and kindles a relationship with single mother, and Toys “R” Us employee, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), but increasingly runs the risk of exposing his true identity.

Even though the trailer, marketing, and Tatum’s name all promised a breezy, light-hearted ride, I was still stunned by how different this film felt from Cianfrance’s usual fare. His earlier works, like “Blue Valentine” and “The Place Beyond the Pines”, are masterclasses in bleakness—brilliant, but so heavy they’re tough to revisit. This time, though, Cianfrance strikes a clever balance: the gentle nature of the main character meets the pulse of a crime thriller. It’s the perfect stage for Channing Tatum, whose easy charm and sharp comedic instincts make us root for Jeffrey Manchester, even as he stumbles through questionable life choices. Tatum doesn’t just nail the softer moments; his physicality and quick thinking make you believe in the burglar’s military background and almost spy-like awareness and perception. This is easily one of Hollywood star’s most mature performances yet, and after his chilling turn in last year’s criminally overlooked thriller “Blink Twice”, it is clear he’s successfully looking to explore his full acting range.

Watching the wild story of “Roofman” play out, I kept wondering how much of it was Hollywood invention and how much was real. But as the credits rolled, real interviews with hostages, friends, police, and others who knew Jeffrey under his alias revealed that his warmth and empathy were genuine. This makes Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn’s choice to portray him as a likable and endearing protagonist not only justified but also true to life.

Among those interviewed is Jeffrey’s love interest from his time in hiding, Leigh, and Tatum’s natural, easy-going chemistry with the equally excellent Dunst makes you root for a romance you know is doomed from the start. The unexpected emotional heft of their relationship, and the rising tension as Jeffrey risks more to be part of Leigh’s family, infuse the story with both warmth and a creeping sense of dread, echoing the emotional punch of Cianfrance’s earlier films. Luckily, the film’s lighter moments and the genuine connection between the leads keep things lively and entertaining, making this Cianfrance’s most approachable work yet. While the director could have explored Jeffrey’s isolation and the hardships he faced as a veteran in more depth, I think the film’s heartwarming tone suits its subject. It never excuses his crimes but lets us see the humanity behind them.

Additionally, as a child of the early nineties, I couldn’t help but smile at the nostalgia of wandering through a Toys “R” Us again after nearly two decades.

The Verdict:

Director Derek Cianfrance delivers an unexpectedly delightful and touching film, yet it is Channing Tatum who truly shines, infusing his real-life character with such irresistible charm that you find yourself rooting for him, flaws and all.

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