“Wait for me – before you two start hitting each other.” It's the kind of quippy, tense line that sets the tone for Riff Raff, the latest crime comedy from director Dito Montiel (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints). Packed with a star-studded cast including Jennifer Coolidge, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris, and Bill Murray, the film teases a darkly comedic family drama wrapped in crime thriller trappings. But does it deliver on its intriguing premise, or does it fizzle out like a failed New Year's Eve toast?
The Premise: Family Dysfunction Meets Crime Thriller
Riff Raff revolves around Vince (Ed Harris), a former criminal who has turned over a new leaf, now living a quiet life with his wife, Sandy (Gabrielle Union), and their son. Their peaceful New Year's Eve plans are thrown into chaos when Vince's estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), arrives uninvited with his pregnant girlfriend (Emanuela Postacchini) and Vince's ex-wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), in tow. Rocco, still entangled in criminal activity, drags his family into a messy situation, with an aging mafioso named Lefty (Bill Murray) hot on his trail. Secrets unravel, tensions rise, and violence lurks just beneath the surface.
The Cast: A Mix of Heavyweights and Wild Cards
The ensemble cast is, without a doubt, the film's biggest draw. Ed Harris, a veteran of intense drama, brings a gravitas that grounds the story, while Jennifer Coolidge—known for her quirky, scene-stealing roles—injects a dose of unpredictability as the lewd and chaotic Ruth. Pete Davidson, often cast in roles that blur the line between comedy and melancholic introspection, seems well-suited for this genre, though his full range in the film remains to be seen. And then there's Bill Murray, whose presence alone elevates any project with his signature deadpan wit.
The Tone: A Balancing Act Between Comedy and Crime
From the trailer, Riff Raff seems to walk a tightrope between crime thriller and dark comedy. The humor appears to stem from character dynamics rather than overt gags, giving the film a lived-in feel. However, the challenge with such genre-blending is maintaining the right balance—does it lean too comedic to be a gripping thriller, or too serious to fully embrace its absurdity?
Montiel, known for his gritty storytelling, has a history of exploring flawed, working-class characters. His past works (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Fighting) have a raw authenticity, and Riff Raff seems to continue that trend, albeit with a comedic twist. The screenplay, written by John Pollono (Small Engine Repair), hints at sharp dialogue and layered characters, but whether it translates effectively on screen remains to be seen.
The Verdict: Should You Watch It?
With a cast this strong, Riff Raff has undeniable potential. But based on early impressions, it could go either way—either a hidden gem that blends humor and crime with finesse or a film that never quite finds its footing. If you enjoy darkly comedic crime stories with dysfunctional family dynamics (The Family, The Ice Harvest), this might be worth checking out. Otherwise, it might end up as one of those films that audiences quickly forget despite its A-list lineup.
Riff Raff hits select U.S. theaters on February 28, 2025. Will you be watching?
Personal Impressions
As a longtime admirer of both Ed Harris' commanding screen presence and Jennifer Coolidge's effortless comedic timing, I find Riff Raff intriguing. The premise is undeniably compelling—family dysfunction mixed with crime always makes for interesting cinema—but the execution will determine whether this film is a sleeper hit or a missed opportunity.
Montiel's past work suggests he knows how to handle gritty, personal stories, but adding humor to the mix is a challenge. Will the humor be organic, or will it feel forced? And with Pete Davidson and Bill Murray in the lineup, will the film lean too heavily into oddball comedy, losing the tension that makes crime thrillers work? There's enough here to make me curious, but I'm cautiously optimistic rather than outright excited.
What do you think? Will Riff Raff be a breakout hit, or will it get lost in the shuffle of crime comedies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
