Roofman: An Unconventional Tale of Crime, Love, and Redemption

Director Derek Cianfrance, known for his exquisite work on Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, brings another heartful creation, Roofman. The film weaves a tender character study encapsulating the themes of bruised masculinity, working-class lives, and the imperfections of love but also introduces elements of comedy, lightness, romance, and an underlying current of pensive melancholy.

The movie centers on protagonist Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a convicted robber from the late '90s. Advertised as both the cleverest and dumbest career criminal, Manchester led a spree of 40 heists by smashing the roofs of food retail stores, showcasing his intelligence, strategic planning and calm peacemaker demeanor. The story takes a turn when he pulls an ingenious escape stunt from the correctional facility and successfully stays undetected in a Toys "R" Us outlet's hidden spaces for months.

In a beautiful screenplay by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, the film never glorifies Manchester's criminality but highlights the factors that drive him to resort to desperate measures. The movie intriguingly reveals how Manchester's acquaintance, Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), inspired him to use his skills for a lucrative yet illicit lifestyle.

The film successfully encapsulates humor and physical comedy in how Manchester builds a home for himself at the toy store. The storyline thickens when Manchester starts intervening in the life of store manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage) and the salesclerk Leigh (Kirsten Dunst). The development of an unexpected romance between Manchester and Leigh gives the film a sweet and lovable aspect.

The film draws an emotional depth by painting a picture of Manchester's desperate longing to be a part of a loving family again and Leigh's journey of falling for a man she knows very little about. Leigh's grounded character, the budding romance, the uncertainty of Manchester's future, and the strong supporting cast give the film an emotional richness.

Despite a visually bit drab, Roofman is a feel-good, heartful film, which beautifully showcases the law-breaking protagonist in a humane light. It is a film ready to pull on your heartstrings with its funny and moving narrative.