Riff Raff

Cast View all

	Jennifer Coolidge	Ruth
	Ed Harris	Vincent
	Gabrielle Union	Sandy
	Miles J. Harvey	DJ
	Emanuela Postacchini	Marina
	Lewis Pullman	Rocco
	Bill Murray	Hannigan
	Pete Davidson	Lonnie
	Michael Angelo Covino	Johnnie
	Julius Sampson	Young DJ
	Scott Michael Campbell	Old Mainer
	Sage Spielman	Blonde
	Roger Guenveur Smith	Sandy's Father
	Lucinda Carr	Sandy's Mother
	Brooke Dillman	Janet
	P.J. Byrne	Garrison
	Eli Massillon	Laurence
	Angelic Zambrana	Jamie HarHay
	Chris Keller	Police Officer #1
	Nathan Levy	Police Officer #2
	Bob Leszczak	Patient on Stretcher
	Francois Nel	Money Collector

Crew View all

Director	Dito Montiel
Writer	John Pollono
Producer	Alex Baskin, Robby Blanchard, Tom Bombadil, Amanda Bowers, Barry Brooker, Howard Cohen, Molly Conners, Eric D'Arbeloff, Kamran Dastoury, Chris Dennis, Diplo, William P. Evans, Sarah Gabriel, Scott Gale, Barry Germansky, Marc Goldberg, Tony Griffin, Sebouh Gueyikian, Patrick Hibler, Brianna Lee Johnson, Christian Mercuri, Patrick Muldoon, Adam Paulsen, John Pollono, Jimmy Price, Christopher A. Reid, Denise Richards, William Roth II, Noah Rothman, Simone Safford
Musician	Adam Taylor
Photography	Xavier Grobet

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Notes

My quick rating - 6.2/10. Director Dito Montiel delivers an engaging dark comedy in Riff Raff, a film that takes a familiar story and reinvents it with sharp writing, a well-paced narrative, and a stellar ensemble cast. Montiel, known for his ability to craft character-driven stories (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints), keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. At just 103 minutes, Riff Raff manages to juggle backstory, character dynamics, and escalating tension without feeling bloated. The dialogue is sharp and witty, making even the film’s heavier moments feel engaging rather than weighed down by melodrama.

The film wastes no time in setting up its premise. Vince (Ed Harris), a former criminal who turned his life around, enjoys a quiet life with his wife, Sandy (Gabrielle Union), and their good-natured son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). But their peaceful New Year's Eve is thrown into chaos when Vince’s estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), arrives unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and his brash, trouble-stirring mother, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge). Rocco’s arrival isn’t just a social visit—he’s on the run, and hot on his trail is the aging but dangerous mobster Lefty (Bill Murray), who has a personal vendetta that threatens to turn this family reunion into a bloodbath. While the story itself isn't groundbreaking, the way it's told keeps things fresh. Montiel manages to weave past and present seamlessly, ensuring that every emotional beat lands while maintaining a tense and often darkly humorous atmosphere.

The real highlight here is the cast. It’s hard to single out one standout performance because the chemistry between the actors is what makes Riff Raff shine. Each character feels lived-in, and their interactions elevate the material beyond a typical revenge thriller. The dialogue is particularly well-crafted—natural, witty, and at times biting—adding depth to these characters and their motivations.

While the film might not break new ground in terms of story, its execution is what makes it stand out. The strong performances and Montiel’s skillful direction keep you engaged right up to the final moments. If you’re drawn to any of the actors involved, you’ll likely be hooked from the start. But if the names don’t entice you, the film’s impact might be a little less potent.

If you enjoy dark comedies with crime elements and an all-star cast, Riff Raff is well worth a watch. The writing, performances, and pacing ensure that even a familiar story feels fresh. It balances tension, humor, and action effectively, making it an entertaining watch with a cast that truly brings it to life.

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