Soft-Edged 'Roofman' Review: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst Shine in a True-Crime Tale of Loneliness
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In a departure from his bruised romances and moral unease, director Derek Cianfrance takes on a true-crime story with 'Roofman,' a film that delves into the complexities of human loneliness. Starring Channing Tatum as Manchester, a former soldier struggling to re-enter civilian life, the movie follows his series of meticulously planned, non-violent robberies, which he uses to cope with his emotional pain. After being caught and sentenced to prison, Manchester engineers a daring escape and disappears into the hidden rafters of a Toys “R” Us store. There, he secretly observes the lives below, forming attachments and eventually a romance under a false identity. Tatum delivers a nuanced performance, shedding his typical swagger for a more vulnerable portrayal of Manchester. Kirsten Dunst shines as Leigh, a divorced single mother working at the toy store, bringing a sense of lived-in realism and emotional intelligence to the film. Their chemistry feels authentic, rooted in shared exhaustion rather than romantic sparks. While the film's deliberate aesthetic gives it a nostalgic feel, it sometimes struggles to balance its empathy with the severity of Manchester's actions. The romance, in particular, can feel overly familiar at times. Despite this, 'Roofman' is a sincere and humane crowd-pleaser that compensates for its shortcomings with warmth, strong performances, and a genuine interest in character development. With a release on Lionsgate Play in India on December 19, 'Roofman' is a film that may challenge its viewers' sympathies, but it's hard to resist its quiet pull.
