A classic case of truth being stranger than fiction, Roofman is the wild, almost unbelievable true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who earned himself the titular moniker due to the fact that he robbed a series of McDonald’s in the late 90s-early 2000s (45 locations, to be exact), entering the premises through their roofs. Despite his criminality, Jeffrey is a kind-hearted soul, not intending to hurt anyone specifically and merely robbing the stores for his financial stability. He wants the best for his daughter, and hopes that he’ll be seen as a better husband. Of course, doing the crime means doing the time, but such is the wily nature of Jeffrey that his (initial) stint in prison was short-lived.
The real-life Manchester is currently serving upwards of 40 years in prison, but such is his nature through Derek Cianfrance‘s direction and script (co-written with Kirt Gunn), and Channing Tatum‘s beautifully charming performance, that you’d be forgiven for wanting more of a wrist-slap than a full blown sentence. Roofman doesn’t forgive Jeffrey’s behaviour, but it certainly makes you understand his predicament, and it’s why we’re able to submit to the film’s 126 minute running time as it celebrates his temperament – mischievous he may be.
The prologue to Roofman presents enough story for an entire film in itself – that of Jeffrey’s first reason for going to prison – when he robs his first McDonald’s, using his keen eye for observation – his Army cohort, Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), acknowledging this skill – and breaking in overnight. Despite the staff even noting how friendly and accommodating he was, his demeanour isn’t enough for him to charm the authorities and, at his daughter’s birthday party, where he flaunts his new wealth, he’s arrested and sentenced to an original 45 years.
After 4 years, Jeffrey managed to escape – done in quite the most casual of manners – and, on the lam, finds initial comfort in a Toys “R” Us; props must absolutely go to the production team for their incredibly detailed design work for the store, considering the store is out of business. Whilst the manhunt never entirely ends for Jeffrey, it certainly dies down long enough for him to start stepping out from behind the curtain – or, more correctly, a wall opening behind a large bicycle display that he lines with bedding, keeping himself warm with clothing from the donation bins, and largely surviving on a diet of in-store Peanut M&M’S. Furthering his observation skills, he sets up a series of baby monitors to act as security, keeping himself hidden in the day and roaming the store at night, spying on the manager’s access codes so he can deactivate any alarms or CCTV.
What eventually brings him out of “hiding” is employee Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst, quietly sublime), a single mother, who earns Jeff’s attention through her evident kindness. And knowing that she attends a local church and has asked her general manager, Mitch (Peter Dinklage), to donate some toys, he takes it upon himself to do what Mitch adamantly won’t and attends with a heft of toys in hand. Jeff immediately charms Leigh, the Pastor (Ben Mendelsohn) and his wife (Uzo Aduba), and the hoard of church attendees, and letting his own guard down he asks Leigh out and begins something of a public life; under the name John Zorn though, acting as if he’s visiting from New York.
As it’s a true story and Jeffrey is currently incarcerated, we know that a happy ending isn’t going to lace Roofman‘s narrative, but given the set-up aside from its real inclinations, and the fact that Cianfrance’s previous films have adhered to an emotional heft (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), a happier vehicle shouldn’t be expected regardless. And indeed, despite the quirky nature of Jeffrey’s story and the romantic mentality of his and Leigh’s dynamic, Roofman is quite a devastating picture, detailing a man who needs to make a choice with his life, but knowing that whichever road he takes, he’ll never live freely; does he follow through on securing a new identity and turning his back on everything that made him, or hope to make a life with Leigh, never being able to reveal his true self.
It’s perhaps Cianfrance’s most accessible feature as a filmmaker, changing his usual tune from the heavier tones of his previous work, but, at the same time, he’s not distancing himself from his wheelhouse. Roofman is both funnier and more heart-rending than expected, ultimately serving as a superb vehicle for Tatum, delivering one of the finest performances of his career as he leans into his naturalistic charisma and everyman charm. Thankfully a story not ruined by a lesser director and the story’s obvious comedic, farcical possibilities, Roofman transcends its eccentric ingredients by honouring the humanity at its core.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Roofman is screening in Australian theatres from October 16th, 2025.
