Riff Raff (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Dito Montiel’s Riff Raff (2025) is a crime-comedy film that blends dark humor, family drama, and mobster action. Written by John Pollono, the movie tells the story of Vincent, a retired hitman whose quiet life is upended when his estranged ex-wife and son arrive on his doorstep, fleeing from dangerous criminals. What follows is a tense yet oddly comedic journey of survival, old grudges, and unexpected family bonding.
With a stellar ensemble cast, including Ed Harris, Bill Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Pete Davidson, and Miles J. Harvey, Riff Raff takes inspiration from classic crime films while injecting a quirky, offbeat energy that sets it apart. But does it deliver a fresh take on the genre, or does it simply recycle old tropes? Let’s dive into this in-depth review.
Plot Overview
Vincent (Ed Harris) has spent years trying to leave behind his violent past. Now living a quiet life in Maine, he’s focused on being a responsible stepfather to DJ (Miles J. Harvey) and maintaining a peaceful existence. However, his world is thrown into chaos when his estranged biological son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and his ex-wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), show up unexpectedly.
It doesn’t take long for Vincent to realize they are on the run from his former associates—particularly Leftie (Bill Murray) and his trigger-happy sidekick, Lonnie (Pete Davidson). As tension mounts, Vincent must confront his past while protecting his fractured family. The film cleverly balances moments of heartfelt drama, violent confrontations, and laugh-out-loud absurdity, creating an unpredictable ride.
Performances & Characters
One of Riff Raff‘s biggest strengths is its cast.
- Ed Harris delivers a strong, grounded performance as Vincent, effortlessly portraying a man torn between redemption and his violent instincts.
- Bill Murray, as Leftie, gives a signature laid-back yet menacing performance. His presence is a highlight, though he doesn’t necessarily steal the show.
- Jennifer Coolidge plays Ruth, Vincent’s alcoholic ex-wife, with her usual charm and comedic timing, though at times her character feels underutilized.
- Gabrielle Union brings warmth and depth to her role as Sandy, Vincent’s current partner, adding emotional weight to the story.
- Lewis Pullman & Emanuela Postacchini are convincing as the young couple on the run, though their characters sometimes fall into cliché territory.
- Pete Davidson surprises with a more restrained, albeit still chaotic, performance as Lonnie.
- Miles J. Harvey, as DJ, is a standout, providing both comedic relief and an emotional anchor for the film.
The chemistry between the cast members helps elevate the film, even when the pacing and narrative occasionally falter.
Direction & Writing
Dito Montiel, known for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, blends dark comedy and crime drama in Riff Raff. The film pays homage to Tarantino and the Coen Brothers, with sharp dialogue and unpredictable character dynamics. However, it sometimes struggles with balancing its tones—oscillating between intense crime drama and quirky comedy in a way that feels disjointed.
John Pollono’s script offers some clever character moments but also relies heavily on familiar genre tropes. While the slow-burn storytelling allows for rich character development, some viewers might find the pacing uneven, especially in the third act.
Cinematography & Atmosphere
The film’s setting in a cold, rural town adds a layer of isolation and tension, visually reinforcing the characters’ struggles. However, it doesn’t fully take advantage of its holiday backdrop—a missed opportunity that could have added more contrast between the warmth of the season and the film’s violent undertones.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Fantastic Cast – The performances, particularly from Ed Harris and Miles J. Harvey, make the film engaging.
✅ Sharp, Witty Dialogue – The humor lands well, and the banter between characters feels natural.
✅ Intriguing Premise – The blend of family drama and crime thriller offers a fresh take on a classic setup.
Weaknesses:
❌ Pacing Issues – Some scenes drag, especially toward the end.
❌ Inconsistent Tone – The balance between dark comedy and serious crime drama isn’t always smooth.
❌ Lack of Originality – While entertaining, the film leans heavily on familiar tropes without bringing much new to the table.
Where to Watch Riff Raff Online
As of now, Riff Raff (2025) is not yet available for streaming. However, based on industry trends, here’s where you can expect it to be released:
Predicted Streaming Platforms (Subscription-Based):
- HBO Max / Max – Given the film’s tone and cast, this could be a likely home for its streaming debut.
- Netflix – If acquired, it might land here within a few months of theatrical release.
- Hulu – If the film’s distributor has a deal with Hulu, it could become available here.
Predicted Rental & Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video – Expect it to be available for rent or purchase within a few months.
- Apple TV (iTunes) – Likely to offer both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu & Google Play Movies – Typically, most new releases become available here after their theatrical run.
For the latest updates on streaming availability, check JustWatch.
You can also visit the official website for more details.
Final Verdict
Riff Raff is an entertaining crime comedy with a stellar cast and moments of brilliance. While it may not reach the heights of Tarantino or the Coen Brothers, it offers enough laughs, thrills, and character-driven storytelling to make it worth watching. If you enjoy crime films with a mix of dark humor and family drama, this one is worth checking out.
Are you a fan of quirky crime comedies? Keep an eye on Riff Raff’s streaming release, and don’t forget to check JustWatch for availability. When it finally drops, grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride!
🎬 What’s your favorite crime-comedy film? Let us know in the comments!
