Humor and Crime Clash in This Unstable Story

Read Time:4 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Riff Raff
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Dito Montiel
Writer(s): John Pollono
Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Bill Murray, Lewis Pullman, Pete Davidson, Miles J. Harvey, P.J. Byrne, Emanuela Postacchini, Angelic Zambrana
Where To Watch: in select theaters nationwide on February 28, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: A film that brings together a cast of this caliber immediately sparks interest. It sets the stage for intriguing performances, chemistry, and a story that should capitalize on the strengths of its actors. At its best, this one delivers that promise in fleeting moments. However, the overall experience wavers between crime thriller, dark comedy, and character drama without fully committing to one lane. It offers an intriguing setup, solid performances, and entertaining moments. Still, the execution lacks the cohesion to elevate it beyond an uneven blend of humor and tension.

At the story's center is Vincent (Ed Harris,) a reformed criminal living a peaceful life with his wife and stepson. He’s left behind the chaos of his past, or at least he thought he had. When his estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman,) shows up unexpectedly—a pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and a brash mother, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), in tow—old tensions resurface, and Vincent's comfortable life unravels. But the drama doesn’t end there. Trouble follows Rocco like a storm cloud, and soon enough, two dangerous enforcers start closing in, turning what was already a tense reunion into something far more sinister.

The film structures its story using a non-linear approach, weaving in flashbacks to fill the gaps in character motivations and past decisions. Just as certain moments begin to build tension, the film shifts focus, momentarily stalling its momentum. The character dynamics present plenty of opportunities for gripping drama, but the writing doesn’t always push these relationships as far as possible. Some conflicts are resolved too quickly, while others linger in the background without meaningful resolution.

That said, the performances do a lot of the heavy lifting. Harris embodies Vincent with a commanding presence, balancing the weight of past regrets with the desperate need to keep control of a situation that’s spiraling fast. Opposite him, Pullman brings an unpredictable energy to the role of Rocco, walking the line between frustration, defiance, and vulnerability. The two actors play well off each other, capturing the complicated bond of a father and son whose lives took very different turns.

Visually, the film uses its isolated setting to reinforce the feeling of no escape. The cinematography does a solid job of capturing the mounting unease, whether through confined spaces, stark lighting, or strategic framing. The score follows a similar pattern—it effectively underlines key moments but lacks a signature presence that could have given the film more personality.

The film fluctuates between being a darkly comedic character study and a high-stakes crime thriller, never finding a true balance. Some moments feel like they belong in a completely different movie, and the transitions between humor and drama aren’t always seamless. The film wants to have fun with its absurd scenarios but also wants the emotional weight of a serious story about family, regret, and consequences. The result is a back-and-forth that makes it difficult to invest in either side fully.

A stronger focus on character relationships could have tied everything together more effectively. The tension between Vincent and his sons, the shifting power dynamics between the various family members, and the emotional weight of past decisions all had the potential to create something truly gripping. More time spent developing these relationships could have helped create a more emotionally resonant experience.

The cast makes it worth watching, and there are several moments of sharp dialogue and well-executed humor. Even when the narrative stumbles, the performances keep things engaging. It may not be the most cohesive crime drama or the sharpest dark comedy, but it offers enough moments of entertainment to hold attention.

The performances are strong, the premise is engaging, and the story has plenty of tension. However, with an inconsistent tone and underdeveloped character arcs, it falls short of being as good as it could have been. Watching these actors interact has an undeniable charm; that will be enough for some. However, the film could have delivered something more compelling with a more focused approach.

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