Riff Raff: A Dark Comedy with a Stellar Cast but Disjointed Execution
The first question when watching Riff Raff is how Dito Montiel assembled such a well-established cast. Despite big names like Ed Harris, Bill Murray, and Pete Davidson, the ensemble never quite meshes. Still, seeing Harris and Murray face off is a treat, and Gabrielle Union shines, even though Jennifer Coolidge’s performance as a sleazy drunk disrupts the overall vibe.
Tonal Inconsistency Derails the Fun
If Montiel had channeled his talented cast into a film with consistent tone and believable character dynamics, Riff Raff might have been wicked fun. Unfortunately, the movie wobbles between a menacing mob thriller and a disjointed sitcom, awkwardly lurching toward a violent climax without ever finding its footing.
A Director Known for Grit Misses the Mark
Montiel, best known for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, has rarely shown a light touch, and Riff Raff is no exception. The film’s bloody conclusion during a holiday gathering sticks to his signature gritty style, but the execution lacks cohesion, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied.
A Confusing Pastiche of Inspirations
Montiel likened reading John Pollono’s script to discovering an unknown David Mamet play, citing inspirations like Goodfellas, Reservoir Dogs, and A History of Violence. But if there are clear references to these classics in Riff Raff, they’re hard to spot. What sounds good in theory doesn’t quite translate on-screen.
Family Dynamics at the Heart of the Chaos
DJ, a nerdy Dartmouth-bound college student played by Miles J. Harvey, opens the film by nervously pointing a gun at his stepfather Vincent, played by Ed Harris. This strained family dynamic sets the stage, as Montiel explores fractured familial bonds intertwined with crime, a theme he’s revisited throughout his career.
Flashbacks that Add Context but Not Enough Clarity
Montiel skillfully uses flashbacks to weave together the family’s messy history. We see DJ’s awkward encounter with his estranged mother Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), and Vincent’s tense introduction to Sandy’s (Gabrielle Union) disapproving parents. The only believable relationship is between Vincent’s son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) and his pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), thanks to the actors’ chemistry.
A Crime Thriller with Forced Comedy
Torn between being a thriller and a comedy, Riff Raff falls flat in both genres. Bill Murray’s mob boss character Lefty provides some deadpan humor, but the criminal storyline feels forced. Meanwhile, Pete Davidson’s henchman Ronnie doesn’t add much to the mix, and the violence, while expected, feels out of place in this disjointed comedy.
Unanswered Questions Leave the Story Flat
The film’s uneven pacing raises more questions than it answers, particularly regarding Sandy’s obliviousness to Vincent’s dark past. How did she not see the red flags in her husband’s criminal ties? This lack of clarity only muddles the already confusing tone, weakening the film’s emotional weight.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Greatness
With a stellar cast and an intriguing premise, Riff Raff had the potential to be a thrilling dark comedy. Unfortunately, its tonal inconsistency and disjointed narrative prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film teeters between genres, never fully committing to one, resulting in a mediocre experience at best.
Film Credits
Venue: Toronto International Film Festival (Special Screening)
Distributor: Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions
Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, Emanuela Postacchini, Michael Angelo Covino, Pete Davidson, Bill Murray
Director: Dito Montiel
Screenwriter: John Pollono
Runtime: 1 hr 43 min
