Synopsis: Vincent is an ex-criminal who more than anything, just wants a normal, peaceful life. He and his wife Sandy have built a loving family with their son DJ and are spending the winter break in a cabin before he goes off to college. Chaos ensues when Vincent’s disowned son Rocco, his girlfriend Marina and Vincent’s ex-wife Ruth abruptly show up to spoil the festivities with an ominous warning: the famed gangsters Leftie and Lonnie are coming for them.
Do we truly know anyone or just how they present themselves? Is anyone ever really who they claim to be? Are they as good and righteous as they outwardly project? Do they care as much as they let others believe? The answer is more than likely no. It’s especially true in a world where presenting as “perfect” is more important than being real. Honesty used to be the best policy, but it would seem now that it’s a liability. Forgetting that we’re all different and unique, being honest and authentic has become weaponized while others use the truth as a manipulation tool. Surround yourself with those you trust, but like Batman and Iron Man, you might want to have a contingency plan.
“It’s amazing what family is willing to do for each other.”
Blood may be thicker than water, but it doesn’t make you family. Directed by Dito Montie, Riff Raff is a dysfunction-fueled family affair. Written and based on a play by award-winning playwright John Pollono, this taut dark comedy is sure to entertain. Feeling like a return to films of the past or even an amalgam of Goodfellas and Meet the Parents, this reunion from hell walks the line between R-rated family comedy and gangster flick. Propelled by an outstanding and unlikely cast, Riff Raff may fly under the radar but is undoubtedly a gem waiting to be discovered. Featuring touching moments, unflinching murder, the messiest familial drama, and awkward comedy delivered by some of the best, what more can you ask for? With its timeless setting and gloomy matte aesthetic, it’s a film that plays well now as it will in 20 years.
“I get horny when I’m scared.”
Starting with an “I bet you’re wondering how I got here” moment, you’ll be filled with questions in the beginning, and as the film unfolds, each answer is wilder than the next. Highlighting themes of what it means to be family and how far we’ll go to protect them, the writing has plenty to say about familial bonds and the success of nontraditional families. Even when dealing with three professional killers, they are made to be human despite their moral shortcomings. At the crux of the story are secrets and lies and how they are chosen to be handled. Do you let them destroy everything when the truth eventually comes to light, or do you face them head-on? Not only does it make for an intriguing tale, but it offers a gigantic twist worthy of all your time. Come for the cast, stay for the chaos. Flowing seamlessly due to great editing and great direction, Riff Raff is an easy and enjoyable watch. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
Riff Raff has that quirky offbeat comedy pacing similar to films like Adventureland or The Dead Don’t Die. It’s the type of pacing that is rife with anticipation and curiosity and scattered with shenanigans. In this case, the devilment is violence. What popped for me was the third act. The film comes together in a wonderfully chaotic way with a twist that I didn’t see coming.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, Emanuela
Postacchini, Michael Angelo Corvino, Pete Davidson, Bill Murray
This is an immensely entertaining ensemble cast. The diversity of characters under one roof is like a messy family reunion. Vinceent (Ed Harris) is the cool stepdad with a world of dark secrets, and Sandy (Gabrielle Union) is the poised mother with a patch over her heart. The age gap is wide, but I guess the heart wants what it wants. The stepson, DJ (Miles J. Harvey) is booksmart but is incredibly impressionable and has trouble in the love department despite his vast understanding of biology. Rocco (Lewis Pullman) is the estranged son who blows up his father, Vincent’s perfect new life when he brings a thunderstorm of trouble to his doorstep. The lightning the storm brought came in the form of the trigger-happy Leftie (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson). The duo of Murray and Davidson harbor the funniest chemistry throughout the film. Emanuela Postacchini as Marina is the calming balance, while Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge) is a hilarious drunken wrecking ball. In both comedic moments as well as the dramatic ones, the cast plays off each other extremely well.
Riff Raff hits theaters on February 28, 2025. Stay safe and let’s hope things get better.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Dito Montie Writter: John Pollono Producers: Noah Rothman, Sarah Gabriel, Marc Goldberg, Adam Paulsen
Riff Raff is a dysfunction-fueled family affair. Written and based on a play by award-winning playwright John Pollono, this taut dark comedy is sure to entertain. Feeling like a return to films of the past or even an amalgam of Goodfellas and Meet the Parents, this reunion from hell walks the line between R-rated family comedy and gangster flick.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
