Ruffman review: Channing Tatum surprises in a restrained true-crime story
Roofman Movie Review: Roofman is a quiet crime drama that focuses on the complex character of Jeffrey Manchester, a troubled ex-military man who turns to crime out of desperation. The strength of the film lies in its mood and performances, which present a contemplative and restrained story that is different from the usual thrillers.
roofer Comes without any fanfare or fanfare and that works in its favour. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film is a low-key crime drama inspired by the real-life story of American mobster Jeffrey Manchester, played by Channing Tatum. Instead of chasing adventure, roofer The focus remains on character, restraint and mood, creating a watch that is charming, uneven in places, but often quietly affecting.
The film stars Manchester as an ex-military man struggling to adjust to civilian life. He is a single father, lacking money and direction, and clearly not being able to adjust to the world around him. In the beginning, a small personal failure – being unable to buy a nice birthday gift for his daughter – triggers a series of decisions that ultimately push him towards crime. The film doesn’t explain much of his psychology. It simply puts him in situations and lets his choices speak for him.
Manchester robberies are unusual and sometimes strangely polite. He avoids violence, apologizes during stoppages, and relies on observation rather than intimidation. Cianfrance and co-writer Kirt Gunn move quickly through this stage, and don’t dwell on the mechanics of the crimes. What’s more interesting in the film is what happens after – when Manchester is caught, punished, and later finds his way back into the world through an unexpected hiding place.
an important part of roofer The incident unfolds inside a large retail store, where Manchester hides and escapes unnoticed. These sequences are among the strongest in the film. They’re tense without being dramatic, and they underline the film’s central idea: a man on the margins, watching life happen from a distance. The sound design is particularly effective here, with creaking metal, footsteps and distant shop announcements creating a sense of constant unease.
Channing Tatum delivers his most controlled performance yet. Known for roles that depend on physical presence, he keeps things minimal here. His Manchester is quiet, observant and socially awkward. No attempt has been made to make the character attractive or heroic. In several scenes, particularly those involving frightened store employees, Tatum plays Manchester as a man who is aware of his fears, but is unable or unwilling to stop himself. It’s a performance based on silence rather than impact, and it largely works.
The film takes a more emotional turn with the introduction of Leigh, played by Kirsten Dunst. Leah is a single mother who works at a store and struggles with her own pressures. Her relationship with Manchester is carefully developed and written with restraint. Their scenes are grounded and intentionally awkward, avoiding romance-movie shortcuts. Dunst brings warmth and believability to the role, and her performance adds weight to the second half of the film.
Peter Dinklage appears as the store’s strict manager, providing a grounded counterpoint to the film’s softer moments. His character adds tension and reminds the audience of the real-world risks Manchester is taking, even when the film seems sympathetic to its central character.
Christopher Bear’s background score is subtle and effective. It remains in the background, supporting the mood of the film rather than guiding the emotions. Combined with Cianfrance’s patient pace, it gives Ruffman a contemplative tone that sets it apart from typical crime dramas.
That said, the film is not without flaws. At times, it appears that Manchester’s actions are being forgiven too much. By softening the consequences of his crimes, roofer At the risk of oversimplifying a complex real-life story. As the authorities close in, the film struggles to maintain emotional balance, and it becomes hard to stay invested in Manchester’s fate.
still, roofer It succeeds as a character-driven film that values mood over pacing. It’s less interested in the crime than the man committing it, and although this approach won’t appeal to everyone, it gives the film its identity.
Driven by Channing Tatum’s restrained performance and bolstered by solid turns from Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage, roofer is a humble, thoughtful film. It doesn’t aim to scale heights but leave a steady impression.
roofer Released in India on December 19 on Lionsgate Play.
