Riff Raff (2025) — English Comedy

"Riff Raff" (2025) is a darkly comedic crime drama directed by Dito Montiel, featuring a star-studded cast including Ed Harris, Jennifer Coolidge, Gabrielle Union, Bill Murray, and Pete Davidson. The film follows Vincent (Harris), a reformed criminal seeking a peaceful life with his wife Sandy (Union) and stepson DJ (Miles J. Harvey) in rural Maine. Their tranquility is disrupted when Vincent's estranged son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) arrives unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini) and Vincent's ex-wife Ruth (Coolidge). Complicating matters, mobsters Leftie (Murray) and Lonnie (Davidson) are on their trail, seeking retribution for Rocco's past misdeeds. The central conflict of "Riff Raff" revolves around the collision of Vincent's past criminal life with his present family dynamics. The film explores themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the inescapability of one's past. Director Dito Montiel blends elements of crime and dark comedy to create a narrative that is both tense and humorous. The tone shifts between suspenseful and comedic, as the family grapples with external threats and internal tensions. The ensemble cast delivers performances that range from the menacing to the absurd, contributing to the film's unique atmosphere. "Riff Raff" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2024, and was released in the United States on February 28, 2025. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances but criticizing the script and tonal inconsistencies. Despite its star-studded cast, "Riff Raff" failed to make a significant impact at the box office, grossing $911,053 from 1,004 theaters during its opening weekend. The film's exploration of family dynamics and crime offers a unique take on the genre, appealing to viewers interested in character-driven narratives with a blend of humor and suspense.