✅ Riff Raff (2025) is a darkly comedic crime thriller that takes a sharp turn into the chaotic life of a retired hitman whose past relentlessly catches up to him. Directed by Dito Montiel, this film weaves a web of family drama, unexpected humor, and dangerous confrontations, featuring an ensemble cast that brings a unique flavor to its edgy narrative. Released on February 28, 2025, with a subsequent streaming release on Hulu on July 4, 2025, it promises a turbulent yet entertaining ride. With its blend of crime caper and dysfunctional family dynamics, “Riff Raff” offers a fresh, albeit dark, perspective on loyalty, redemption, and the inescapable consequences of one’s former life.

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5.9/10

Riff Raff

Director: Dito Montiel

Writers: John Pollono

Stars: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union

Country: United States of America

Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Languages: English

Overview: A retired hitman's life is turned upside down when his ex-wife and son arrive unannounced during the holidays because they are on the run from his former mob associates.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Riff Raff (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Riff Raff (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed
• Revenue: $901,370 (Worldwide, as of July 2025)
• Runtime: 103 Minutes (1 Hour 43 Minutes)
• Release Date: February 28, 2025 (Theatrical), July 4, 2025 (Hulu Streaming)
• Genres: Dark Comedy, Crime, Drama
• Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, Emanuela Postacchini, Pete Davidson, Bill Murray, Michael Angelo Corvino
• Directors: Dito Montiel
• Screenplay: John Pollono
• Studios & Producers: Signature Films, Canopy Media Partners (Producers: Noah Rothman, Sarah Gabriel, Marc Goldberg, Adam Paulsen)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Riff Raff (2025)” is a dark comedy crime thriller centered on Vincent (Ed Harris), a former hitman who has painstakingly built a serene, legitimate life in the countryside with his beloved wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) and her bright teenage son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). All Vincent desires is a tranquil existence, far removed from his violent past. However, his carefully constructed peace is shattered when his disowned son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), Rocco’s pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vincent’s outrageous ex-wife Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge) unexpectedly arrive at his secluded cabin during the holidays. Their unannounced visit carries an ominous warning: two notorious gangsters, the existential Lefty (Bill Murray) and the unpredictable Lonnie (Pete Davidson), are hot on their trail, seeking revenge for past grievances tied to Vincent’s former life. Forced back into the dangerous world he thought he had escaped, Vincent must protect his new family while navigating the chaos brought by his old one. The film unfolds as a series of escalating confrontations, dark humor, and unexpected twists, as Vincent tries to outwit his pursuers and reconcile with the messy, violent legacy he desperately tried to bury, all while grappling with the bizarre dynamics of his complicated family.

Cast & Crew

The ensemble cast of “Riff Raff” is a major draw, featuring an array of seasoned actors and comedic talents. Ed Harris anchors the film as Vincent, the retired hitman longing for a quiet life, delivering a performance that balances weary gravitas with moments of comedic exasperation. His portrayal grounds the film amidst the ensuing chaos. Jennifer Coolidge, in her signature style, is hilarious and memorable as Ruth, Vincent’s unfiltered ex-wife, stealing scenes with her crude humor and unpredictable antics. Gabrielle Union as Sandy, Vincent’s new wife, provides a contrasting sensibility, representing the peaceful life Vincent craves. Lewis Pullman shines as Rocco, the estranged son, embodying the volatile link to Vincent’s past. The film also features standout performances from Pete Davidson as the quirky mobster Lonnie and, notably, Bill Murray as the surprisingly introspective mob boss Lefty, both contributing significantly to the film’s dark comedic tone. Director Dito Montiel effectively orchestrates this diverse cast, allowing each actor to bring their unique strengths to their respective roles, creating a dynamic and engaging family of misfits and criminals.

Critical & Audience Response

“Riff Raff (2025)” received a mixed critical reception, often praised for its unconventional blend of crime and dark comedy, but also noted for its occasional lack of focus. Critics largely highlighted the ensemble cast as the film’s strongest asset, with particular acclaim for Jennifer Coolidge’s comedic performance and Bill Murray’s uniquely subdued yet impactful portrayal. Ed Harris’s grounded performance was also frequently mentioned as holding the chaotic narrative together. The film was lauded for its bold humor and willingness to delve into darker themes, offering a fresh take on the crime caper genre. However, some criticisms pointed to an inconsistent tone and a script that sometimes struggled to balance its numerous plot threads and character arcs, occasionally leading to a disjointed feel. Despite these mixed reviews, audience response was generally more favorable, with many appreciating the star power and the film’s ability to deliver quirky laughs and unexpected twists. Viewers found it an entertaining watch, particularly for its unique comedic sensibilities and the performances from its celebrated cast members, making it a compelling, if imperfect, dark comedy.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Dito Montiel helms “Riff Raff” with an ambitious vision, aiming to blend crime thriller elements with a dysfunctional family dark comedy. His direction is characterized by a dynamic pace, shifting between tense standoffs and moments of absurd humor. Montiel demonstrates a clear intent to allow his formidable cast to shine, giving them ample space to explore their eccentric characters and deliver their lines with comedic precision. He attempts to navigate the film’s tonal shifts, which can be challenging given the dark subject matter juxtaposed with lighthearted moments. The cinematography for “Riff Raff” (though the specific DP isn’t widely credited in synopses) contributes significantly to the film’s atmosphere. It employs a visual style that balances the grittiness of the crime elements with the more stylized aesthetic often found in dark comedies. The framing and lighting choices support the narrative’s tension while also allowing for the expressive performances of the ensemble. The visuals effectively capture the claustrophobic tension of the isolated cabin setting, contrasting it with the chaotic intrusion of the criminal world, adding to the film’s overall unique appeal.

Music & Background Score

For “Riff Raff,” the music and background score play a crucial role in setting the film’s distinctive tone, which oscillates between tense crime thriller and quirky dark comedy. While a specific composer is not prominently credited in widespread synopses, the score effectively underscores the film’s dramatic moments while also enhancing its comedic beats. The musical choices contribute to the unsettling atmosphere during confrontations and highlight the absurdities of the characters’ situations. It avoids being overly dramatic or intrusive, instead providing a subtle yet impactful layer to the storytelling. The music helps to bridge the tonal gaps between the serious crime elements and the more lighthearted family dynamics, ensuring that the audience remains immersed in the narrative. Overall, the sound design and score work in tandem to amplify the film’s unique blend of genres, making the chaotic journey of Vincent and his family more engaging for the viewer.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Riff Raff (2025),” as a dark comedy crime film, relies more on its character performances and plot intricacies than on extensive visual effects. The visuals are primarily focused on establishing the contrasting environments: the seemingly peaceful, secluded cabin that becomes a hotbed of chaos, and the gritty, dangerous world from which Vincent hails. The film’s aesthetic leans into a grounded realism, using natural lighting and practical effects to enhance the tension and occasional violence. Special effects, if any, are subtle and serve to augment the narrative without drawing excessive attention to themselves. The production design effectively creates a sense of both cozy domesticity and impending danger within the cabin setting. The visual storytelling emphasizes character reactions and the dark humor inherent in their predicament. Overall, “Riff Raff” uses its visuals to build an immersive world that supports its unique genre blend, ensuring that the focus remains on the compelling narrative and the stellar performances of its ensemble cast, rather than on elaborate visual spectacles.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing in “Riff Raff,” while not explicitly detailed in many public synopses, plays a critical role in managing the film’s dynamic shifts between dark humor and tense crime. The cuts are designed to maintain a brisk pace, allowing the comedic moments to land effectively while also building suspense during the escalating confrontations. The film’s multi-character plot demands precise editing to ensure clarity and coherence, weaving together various subplots involving Vincent’s two families and the pursuing gangsters. The screenplay, penned by John Pollono, is the backbone of the film’s unique identity. It constructs a compelling premise—a retired hitman’s past catching up to him through his dysfunctional family. The script is notable for its sharp, often crude, dialogue and its fearless embrace of dark humor. Pollono skillfully crafts memorable characters, giving each a distinct voice and often hilarious or chilling lines. While some critics noted that the screenplay occasionally struggles with tonal consistency due to its genre blending, it is ultimately a witty and ambitious script that provides a rich canvas for the talented cast to work with, driving the film’s chaotic and entertaining narrative forward.

Positives / What Works

“Riff Raff (2025)” truly shines with its outstanding ensemble cast, particularly the magnetic performances of Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray, who bring unexpected depth and humor to their roles. Ed Harris grounds the film with his relatable portrayal of a man desperate for peace. The film’s bold blend of dark comedy and crime thriller elements creates a unique and often unpredictable viewing experience. The sharp, witty, and often irreverent dialogue is a significant highlight, consistently delivering laughs. Director Dito Montiel’s willingness to embrace the chaotic nature of the plot and characters results in an entertaining and distinct cinematic offering. The film also benefits from its concise runtime, which ensures the narrative remains engaging without overstaying its welcome, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate unconventional genre mash-ups.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its strengths, “Riff Raff (2025)” faces some challenges. The film’s tonal inconsistency can be jarring for some viewers, as it swings between intense crime drama and broad dark comedy, sometimes feeling disjointed. The large ensemble cast, while talented, occasionally leads to certain characters feeling underdeveloped or their subplots not fully integrated into the main narrative. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat convoluted or its resolution slightly predictable, despite the twists. While the humor is a strong point, it might not resonate with all audiences, as it often leans into the absurd and crude. Additionally, the film’s attempts to balance too many genre elements can lead to a lack of deep exploration into any single theme, potentially leaving some viewers wanting more substance beneath the chaotic surface.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Riff Raff (2025)” is an eccentric and often hilarious dark comedy crime film that thrives on the strength of its exceptional ensemble cast. Ed Harris delivers a solid performance as the weary ex-hitman, but it’s Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray who truly steal the show with their unique and memorable portrayals. Director Dito Montiel creates a chaotic yet engaging world where a family reunion turns into a dangerous standoff. While the film’s genre blending might result in some tonal inconsistencies and a occasionally convoluted plot, its sharp dialogue, bold humor, and the sheer entertainment value derived from its stars make it a worthwhile watch. It’s a film for those who appreciate their comedies dark and their crime thrillers laced with absurdity, offering a fresh, albeit messy, take on family, loyalty, and inescapable pasts. Prepare for a wild ride that is more about the characters and their bizarre interactions than a tightly plotted narrative.

Movie Rating

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