---
title: "Roofman"
year: 2025
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/roofman"
fi1m_id: "roofman"
imdb_id: "tt4627382"
tmdb_id: 1242419
wikidata_id: "Q130742503"
fi1m_score: 68
critics_score: 73
critics_reviews: 21
published: "2026-09-24T21:59:39.875682+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-24T21:59:40.344025+00:00"
region: "BR"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Roofman (2025)

Directed by Derek Cianfrance · 2h 06m · ClassInd 14 · Crime, Comedy, Drama

## Identity

Roofman

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/roofman
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** roofman
- **IMDb ID:** tt4627382
- **TMDB ID:** 1242419
- **Wikidata ID:** Q130742503
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4627382/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1242419, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130742503

**Fi1m score: 68** · Critics 73 from 21 reviews

*In a sentence:* Channing Tatum robs the roof, escapes the prison and moves into the toyshop, and the film forgives him every time

> Derek Cianfrance’s true story of the robber who lived inside a Toys R Us for six months is warm, funny and well acted, and Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst are good company. It is also far too keen that we like him.

## Synopsis

Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former soldier with a family he cannot provide for, robs fast-food restaurants by cutting through the roof before opening time, apologising to the staff as he locks them in the fridge. He is caught and sentenced to a long stretch. He escapes, and rather than run he hides inside a Toys R Us, sleeping in a hollow behind a wall of bike boxes, living on sweets and baby food, and listening to the staff through baby monitors he has taken off the shelf. From there he learns that the manager, Mitch (Peter Dinklage), is a petty tyrant, and that Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a single mother who works the tills, is kind. When he finally walks out into daylight he follows her to church, where Pastor Ron (Ben Mendelsohn) welcomes strangers without asking too much.

## Review

Derek Cianfrance has spent most of his career on men who let their families down, and on films that sit close enough to watch it happen. *Roofman* is his lighter one, a true story with the shape of a caper. Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former soldier, robs restaurants by dropping through the roof, goes to prison, gets out the hard way and moves into a Toys R Us, where he lives unseen for six months. It is funny, it is warmly played, and it is rather too fond of him. We enjoyed it and we did not quite believe it, and the film never seems to notice the gap.

Tatum is the reason to go. He plays Jeffrey as a big, courteous man who apologises to the people he robs and means it, and who has decided that good manners settle the account. He is good at the physical business: the drop through the ceiling tiles, the nights spent riding a child’s bike down the aisles, the sprint back to the hollow behind the bike boxes when the alarm code goes in at seven. We laughed a good deal in the store, more than we had expected, most of it at Tatum eating his way along the sweet shelf with the seriousness of a man doing stock.

Kirsten Dunst gives the film its weight. Leigh Wainscott works the tills, drives her daughter to church and has learned to expect nothing from men, and Dunst plays her with her guard half up and a hope she is embarrassed by. Their scenes together are the best in the film, in her car and across a church supper table, and Cianfrance and his co-writer Kirt Gunn have the sense to let them talk without a plot point arriving. There is one moment, late on, when something Jeffrey says does not add up and Dunst’s face simply goes still, and it moved us more than the rest of the film put together. The film moves on.

Andrij Parekh shoots the shop at night by exit signs and the glow of the security monitors, so the pink boxes and the rows of bikes look like a town after curfew, and shoots the strip mall outside in flat daylight. That is the right choice, because this is a film about the people who work in places like this, and Inbal Weinberg’s production design gives the store, the car park and Leigh’s kitchen the same tired plainness. Erin Benach dresses Jeffrey in whatever he can take off the rails and Leigh in her work polo and a fleece, and the difference tells you who is pretending. Peter Dinklage, as the manager Mitch, turns down the thermostat and the staff’s hours with it, and is exactly the sort of boss you would happily see robbed.

The trouble is what the film wants us to feel about Jeffrey. Cianfrance and Gunn give him a daughter he has failed and a former partner, Talena (Melonie Díaz), who has heard all of this before, and then they put both of them in a drawer for most of the running time so nothing gets in the way of the romance. Every robbery is bloodless, every victim is unhurt, every lie is told with a rueful smile. Most critics have been charmed, and we see why. But a film about a man who robs people and deceives a woman he loves ought to be able to sit with that for longer than a scene at a time, and this one keeps reaching for the next joke.

LaKeith Stanfield, as Steve, an old friend who would rather not be involved, gets the film’s most nervous scenes, and Juno Temple as Michelle is nervier still. Jim Helton and Ron Patane cut it to 126 minutes.

[*Blue Valentine*](https://film.one/film/blue-valentine) (2010) and [*The Place Beyond the Pines*](https://film.one/film/the-place-beyond-the-pines) (2012) were about men like this and refused to let them off. *Roofman* lets Jeffrey off, and then in its last stretch, which we will not describe, it remembers that the real story did not, and the two halves do not quite meet. It is still worth an evening, with someone who will enjoy Tatum on a bicycle and forgive the rest. It carries a 15.

*Fi1m score 68, published 24 September 2026.*

## Straight answers

**Is Roofman worth watching?**

*Roofman* is worth an evening for anyone who enjoys Channing Tatum and a warm, funny true-crime caper, and we scored it 68. The store scenes are the pleasure, and Kirsten Dunst gives it real weight. Its flaw is that it is far too keen we like a man who robs people and lies to a woman he loves, and it keeps reaching for the next joke rather than sitting with that.

**How long is Roofman, and what is it rated?**

*Roofman* runs 2h 06m and is rated 14 by the ClassInd in Brazil. It is a crime and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Roofman in Brazil?**

*Roofman* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Brazil, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from R$14.90. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Roofman, and is it suitable for children?**

*Roofman* is a 15 in the UK and rated R in the US, so it is not for children, though it is not a frightening film. Every robbery is bloodless and every victim unhurt; the tension comes from a man hiding in a toyshop, not from violence. The certificate reflects adult language and themes rather than anything the squeamish need to fear.

**How does Roofman compare to Dog Day Afternoon?**

*Roofman* is the gentler and funnier of the two; [*Dog Day Afternoon*](https://film.one/film/dog-day-afternoon) is the better film. Both take a real robbery and a likeable crook, but Lumet never pretends his man is harmless and lets the comedy turn frightening, where Cianfrance forgives Jeffrey every time. Choose *Roofman* for warmth and Tatum on a bicycle; choose Lumet if you want the robbery to cost something.

**What should I watch after Roofman?**

After *Roofman*, try [*Dog Day Afternoon*](https://film.one/film/dog-day-afternoon) (1975, Fi1m 90): A real robbery, a likeable crook, and a film that never pretends he is harmless. Then [*Catch Me If You Can*](https://film.one/film/catch-me-if-you-can) (2002, Fi1m 83): Another charming liar on the run, and another film half in love with him; and [*Blue Valentine*](https://film.one/film/blue-valentine) (2010, Fi1m 82): Cianfrance’s sad one: a marriage coming apart, filmed from about a foot away.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **The Telegraph**, Tim Robey (5/5): The review is strongly positive, calling Channing Tatum Oscar-worthy in the true story of a robber who hid in Toys R Us for six months. It praises the film for bringing heart, energy and personality to the story. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/toys-r-us/)
- **Empire**, Sophie Butcher (85/100, inferred): Butcher finds the film hugely empathetic and entertaining, with Channing Tatum giving one of his best performances. She especially praises the believable chemistry between Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, alongside the film’s intimate emotional grounding. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/roofman/)
- **Sight and Sound**, BFI (85/100, inferred): The review finds the film charming, sincere and empathic, with its final heartache landing strongly. It praises the delicate growth of Jeff and Leigh’s relationship and Kirsten Dunst’s outstanding performance. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/roofman-derek-cianfrance-turns-bizarre-true-story-criminal-hiding-out-toys-r-us-into-touching-drama)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (85/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film a heartfelt, bittersweet crowd-pleaser that balances crime, comedy and romance. He especially praises the soulful performances of Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst and their chemistry. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/roofman-review-channing-tatum-kirsten-dunst-1236364774/)
- **Little White Lies**, Katherine McLaughlin (4/4/3): McLaughlin finds the film an entertaining, endearing comedy-drama, though it takes too long to reach its point. She praises Channing Tatum’s comedic and dramatic performance, especially his slapstick, while noting Kirsten Dunst’s character needed more oomph. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/roofman)
- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (4/5): Jones calls it a poignant, charming crowd-pleaser and describes Tatum’s performance as career-best. He particularly praises Tatum’s portrayal and Cianfrance’s sharply observed direction. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-w52wcr/roofman)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (B): Hassenger finds the film grounded and appealing, though it falls short of the sharper, more moving crime story it might have been. He especially praises Kirsten Dunst’s natural, quietly truthful performance. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/roofman-review)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Robert Abele (70/100, inferred): Abele finds the film an enjoyable, compassionate romance-crime story, though its tonal shifts and overlong feel sometimes undermine it. He praises the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, along with Tatum’s lovable performance. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-10-09/roofman-review-channing-tatum-kirsten-dunst-peter-dinklage-derek-cianfrance)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): The headline suggests a charming, if conventional, take on the real-life crime story. It singles out Channing Tatum’s performance, while the article body is unavailable to confirm further details. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/roofman-review-channing-tatum-charms-in-real-life-crime-caper-from-derek-cianfrance/5208658.article)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the film entertaining and worthy of repeat viewing, though its story has some implausible turns. He especially praises the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/roofman-review-channing-tatum-1236510112/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so its critical verdict is unavailable. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the provided text. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/roofman-tiff-channing-tatum-film-review-2025)
- **IndieWire**, Katie Rife (C+): Rife finds the film a superficial, forgettable crowdpleaser that leaves its most interesting implications unexplored. She praises Channing Tatum’s layered performance and Kirsten Dunst’s brief, affecting moment of disappointment, while criticizing how little room the film gives that emotional complexity. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/roofman-review-1235149716/)
- **The Guardian**, Benjamin Lee (60/100, inferred): The critic finds the film watchable but too intent on making its criminal protagonist lovable, leaving his choices hard to care about. Tatum and Dunst’s chemistry and Dunst’s performance are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/07/channing-tatum-kirsten-dunst)
- **Slant Magazine**, Mark Hanson (2/4): The review finds the film’s feel-good, formulaic approach dulls its emotional impact. It praises Tatum and Dunst’s easy chemistry but criticizes the film for sidelining Jeffrey’s children. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/roofman-review-channing-tatum-kirsten-dunst/)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (30/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film tonally dissonant and too invested in its protagonist’s self-image. She praises its thoughtful depiction of strip malls and chain businesses, and the community that flourishes in them. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-theres-an-interesting-movie-trapped-inside-roofman.html)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): Hammond calls the film an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing story and says it was his best moviegoing experience of the year. He especially praises Channing Tatum’s nuanced performance and the chemistry he shares with Kirsten Dunst. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/09/roofman-review-channing-tatum-kirsten-dunst-toronto-1236507834/)
- **Film Stories**, James Harvey (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an unusually entertaining, heartfelt crime comedy that makes its tonal balancing act look effortless. They single out Channing Tatum’s charismatic performance and the cast’s chemistry, alongside the film’s tactile craft and real-world context. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/roofman-review-youll-believe-a-man-can-hide-in-a-toys-r-us/)
- **/Film**, Quinn Bilodeau (85/100, inferred): Bilodeau calls the film one of the year’s best, praising its emotional depth beneath the crime-story marketing. He especially singles out Channing Tatum’s career-best performance and Kirsten Dunst’s warm, heartbreaking turn. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1993185/channing-tatum-roofman-not-movie-trailers-selling/)
- **Collider**, Tania Hussain (8/10): Hussain finds the true-crime drama heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly tender, calling it one of the year's pleasant surprises. She singles out Channing Tatum's vulnerable, career-best performance as its emotional center. [Read](https://collider.com/roofman-review-channing-tatum/)
- **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): The critic finds Roofman funny and sweet but shadowed by an unavoidable, troubling outcome. They single out Channing Tatum’s effortless charm for making the felon’s misguided choices easy to root for. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/roofman-review-channing-tatum-and-kirsten-dunst-are-a-charmingly-doomed-couple-in-dark-rom-com/)
- **The Playlist** (50/100, inferred): The headline suggests a mixed verdict: Channing Tatum is charming, but the drama falls short. It singles out the film’s overly safe approach as a weakness. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/roofman-review-channing-tatum-is-charming-but-derek-cianfrances-overly-safe-drama-falls-a-little-short-tiff-20250912/)

## Details

- **Director:** Derek Cianfrance
- **Director:** Derek Cianfrance
- **Screenplay:** Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn
- **Cinematography:** Andrij Parekh
- **Editor:** Ron Patane, Jim Helton
- **Music:** Christopher Bear
- **Production design:** Inbal Weinberg
- **Costume design:** Erin Benach
- **Producer:** Lynette Howell Taylor, Jamie Patricof, Dylan Sellers
- **Cast:** Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester; Kirsten Dunst as Leigh Wainscott; Ben Mendelsohn as Pastor Ron; LaKeith Stanfield as Steve; Juno Temple as Michelle; Melonie Díaz as Talena; Uzo Aduba as Eileen; Lily Collias as Lindsay
- **Runtime:** 2h 06m
- **Certificate (ClassInd):** 14
- **Release (Brazil):** 16 October 2025
- **Genres:** Crime, Comedy, Drama
- **Budget:** $18 million
- **Box office:** $35 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHikM7vFXsA

## Where to watch in Brazil

- Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent R$14.90, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy R$39.90, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-24.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CL, CO, CZ, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, US, VN. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Dog Day Afternoon* (1975), Fi1m 90: A real robbery, a likeable crook, and a film that never pretends he is harmless. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/dog-day-afternoon.md)
- *Catch Me If You Can* (2002), Fi1m 83: Another charming liar on the run, and another film half in love with him. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/catch-me-if-you-can.md)
- *Blue Valentine* (2010), Fi1m 82: Cianfrance’s sad one: a marriage coming apart, filmed from about a foot away. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/blue-valentine.md)
- *Shoplifters* (2018), Fi1m 89: A family that steals to get by, and a film that does not forgive them cheaply. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/shoplifters.md)
- *Bottle Rocket* (1996), Fi1m 78: Three hopeless robbers, a getaway car and a plan written in felt tip. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/bottle-rocket.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/roofman
