“Riff Raff” Review (TIFF 2024)

Photo credit: IMDb

Written by: Gracie Lowes

The fourth film I saw at TIFF 2024 was Dito Montiel’s new crime-comedy “Riff Raff.”

“Riff Raff” follows one-time criminal Vince (Ed Harris) who has turned his life around by falling in love with Sandy (Gabrielle Union). Nearly 20 years later, the still-happy couple are looking forward to spending a quiet New Year’s Eve in their country home with their good-natured son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey).

But when Vince’s other son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), shows up unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge). It is not a happy reunion.

Hot on Rocco’s tail is Lefty (Bill Murray), an aging mafioso with a score to settle regarding his own son. When Lefty catches up with Vince’s family, it becomes a bloody and hectic New Year's party.

With this being another film in the festival that I didn’t know much about (other than the cast) before watching it, I was pleased to find out the film was easily enjoyable. The only slight problem I found with this film was that it occasionally lingers in slower moments that might test the patience of some viewers.

However, when the pace does pick back up, the blend of sharp comedic timing and well-executed action sequences is exciting to watch and adds energy that elevates the entire movie.

As for the star-studded cast, they all gave amazing performances. Somehow a group of actors who I never really pictured together were able to perfectly encapsulate a healthy yet messed up family that was easy for viewers to root for.

Overall, I give “Riff Raff” three out of five stars.

If you enjoyed “Knives Out (2019)” or “Bullet Train (2022)”, this film is definitely for you.