By Julie D’Aloiso
You can watch the trailer here.
If you’re looking for a movie to stream that breaks away from typical comedy formulas, “Riff Raff” might be exactly what you need. I’ll be honest – I went into this film skeptical. Comedy movies have felt stale lately, following the same tired formulas. But something about Bill Murray drew me in, and I’m glad it did. This violent crime comedy surprised me in ways I wasn’t expecting.
The film stars Ed Harris as Vincent, an ex-criminal trying to live peacefully with his wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) and stepson DJ (Miles J. Harvey) during a winter cabin getaway. Their quiet retreat gets disrupted when Vincent’s disowned son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), his girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vincent’s ex-wife Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge) show up with warnings that gangsters Leftie (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson) are hunting them.
What makes “Riff Raff” work is how director Dito Montiel doesn’t try to soften the violence for laughs. This isn’t slapstick comedy – it’s genuinely brutal at times. Murray’s character Leftie even says “once you start killing, it sort of becomes your de facto solution for every problem.” The violence serves the story rather than existing just for shock value.
Murray delivers one of his strongest performances in years, playing against type as a cold-blooded gangster. His chemistry with Pete Davidson creates an unexpected dynamic – Davidson’s Lonnie isn’t just comic relief but brings genuine menace to their scenes. Their relationship feels authentic rather than forced.
The film’s setting works brilliantly. Principal photography took place in New Jersey, and the limited locations – mainly the cabin and surrounding areas – create an intimate, claustrophobic atmosphere. This wasn’t a big-budget production, and it shows in the best way. The small cast and contained setting force the story to rely on character development and dialogue rather than flashy effects.
Speaking of the cast, it’s impressive how much talent they assembled for what appears to be a modestly budgeted film. The film went through several casting changes, with Harris replacing Brian Cox and Murray replacing Dustin Hoffman. These changes worked in the movie’s favor – Harris brings a weathered authenticity to Vincent that makes his criminal past believable.
Where “Riff Raff” succeeds is in its unpredictability. Just when you think you know where it’s heading, it pivots. The violence isn’t cartoonish like in many action comedies – it has consequences that ripple through the story. This puts it in the company of films like “Fargo,” “In Bruges,” and “Seven Psychopaths” – violent comedies that earn their dark humor through genuine character development.
The movie isn’t perfect. At 103 minutes, some critics found it “long, drawn out” and felt certain characters lacked depth. But for me, the pacing worked. The film takes time to build tension before things explode into chaos.
What struck me most was how “Riff Raff” manages to be both funny and genuinely unsettling. Unlike the sanitized violence in most Hollywood comedies, this feels dangerous. The humor comes from character moments and unexpected situations rather than one-liners and pratfalls.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and received a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics were divided, audiences seem more receptive to its dark sensibilities.
In an era of formulaic comedies, “Riff Raff” feels like a throwback to when filmmakers took risks. It’s not for everyone – the violence is real, the humor is dark, and the characters make morally questionable choices. But for viewers tired of cookie-cutter comedies, it offers something genuinely different.
The film proves that violent comedy can work when it’s handled with intelligence and respect for its characters. “Riff Raff” doesn’t apologize for its darkness – it embraces it fully, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Where to Watch: “Riff Raff” is currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+ with a subscription. It’s also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, and Plex. The film is also playing in select theaters.
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