Roadside Attractions’ Riff Raff: If Dysfunction Was A Crime…Family.
Roadside Attractions granted us the opportunity to screen the upcoming Crime-Comedy Riff Raff, and here are our thoughts.
Tony’s Thoughts
There were plenty of recognizable names in this film, with Bill Murray, Ed Harris, Pete Davidson, and Jennifer Coolidge there was enough star power to expect humor and gravitas. The Film is indy enough to break from the typical theater film that explains it premise immediately at the start. This film is a slow burn, and for a moment, I was wondering if the film would make sense…but it does and in a way that caused me to both laugh out loud and feel completely uncomfortable at the same time.
Bill Murray is both funny and absolutely scary at moments. Ed Harris plays it straight most of the film but does have moments where his character is absolutely bewildered by his family. Jennifer Coolidge is exactly what she is best known for, and that works well for this dysfunctional family.
Overall, this movie will make you think, laugh, and cringe in all the right ways.
Mr Snidbits’ Thoughts
I got my hands on an early screener for this flick, and honestly, I was going in blind—I didn’t even check out the trailer! The cast? Unexpected but surprisingly perfect together.
I don’t want to dive too deep into the story because part of the magic lies in letting the film unfold without preconceived notions. Knowing too much about the plot might take away from the experience. It’s a dark dramedy akin to Very Bad Things, but with a subtler touch.
Bill Murray has never struck me as an intimidating figure in his previous roles, yet in Riff Raff, he gives off some serious vibes. Even when he tones it down, his humor shines through. Paired with Pete Davidson, they create some of the best moments in the film. Pete comes off as small and unassuming, yet he transforms into a ruthless, hardened killer—it’s quite the juxtaposition!
Ed Harris may be getting older, but his talent is as sharp as ever. He deftly juggles the roles of father and alter ego (still steering clear of spoilers). Gabrielle Union continues to impress; her sharp, sidelong glances at Ruth and others inject a wonderful wry humor into the mix. And let’s not forget Jennifer Coolidge—she absolutely steals the show. You can’t help but dislike her while also feeling a strange sense of empathy.
This film also marks one of my first introductions to Lewis Pullman, and wow, he’s a spitting image of his dad! He nails the balance between being timid and tough. I was unfamiliar with Miles Harvey before this, but he brought a lovely layer of innocence to the story. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, which really elevates the film.
It’s worth noting that the story takes its time to build for the payoff, so hang in there! My only nitpicks are a few odd audio moments and some abrupt cuts that made it seem like they pieced the footage together rather than smoothing transitions. But those are minor hiccups in an otherwise engaging experience.
If you’re a fan of dark comedies or dramedies, this film might just be what you’re looking for. I definitely recommend giving it a watch! I’ll also be sharing a video review with a friend on all social media platforms, so keep an eye out for that. I can already see myself revisiting this movie to explore the buildup now that I know how it all ends.
Roadside Attractions’ Riff Raff releases in theaters on February 28th
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