The story behind the film Riff Raff is from award-winning playwright John Pollono, who also is the screenwriter of the film adaptation for the big screen. Directed by Dito Montiel (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints) this all-star ensemble has it all; comedy, tragedy, drama, suspense, mystery and murder. Vince (Ed Harris) is just a guy who wants to relax at his vacation house with his family. The one-time mobster, now a reformed guy, has since turned his life around and has created a new life with Sandy (Gabrielle Union). It’s actually pretty intriguing to see Ed Harris and Gabrielle Union as a couple together in a movie, not a movie couple I’d ever expect to see. And as odd as that may be, somehow it works, because the two actors do have pretty good on screen chemistry together.
Their son DJ (Miles J. Harvey) is a blerd (black nerd) after my heart! He’s a huge science geek and has a pretty high IQ. He’s quite the character having no scruples about his opinions on issues such as how a woman can climax and the impact that has on the female body and psyche from a scientific perspective. Watching Ed Harris navigate the role of playing a father to a Black child reminded me of a role I saw earlier this year at SXSW called My Dead Friend Zoe as the father of actor Sonequa Martin-Green. It is quite refreshing seeing Harris taking on these expansive roles.
Ed Harris’ character Vince has another son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) who shows up to his vacation home unexpectedly with this pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini). Marina looks as if she’s about to pop any day now. Meanwhile, a woman, who looked like she’s been drugged is also brought into Vince’s home by the name Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge). Ruth just so happens to be Vince’s ex-wife, so with this reunion of sorts between the ex-wife, estranged son and pregnant wife —well, lets just say Vince’s peace is unquestionably about to be disturbed.Â
Unfortunately Vince’s problems doesn’t end there, as we find out that Rocco is responsible for the death of Lefty’s (Bill Murray) son. Lefty is a dangerous mafioso now out for revenge as Rocco has completely erased his family’s legacy by killing his only son. Â
I’ll avoid any further plot details of Riff Raff here as it will get into spoiler territory. There are some humorous surprises and wild plot twists that you don’t see coming in Riff Raff that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The biggest laughs out of the theater came out of every scene performed by Jennifer Coolidge. Her comedy is effortless. Her timing is impeccable. And her sense of humor is contagious. I can only imagine the other actors working with her in various scenes having to do retakes because they were breaking character due to laughing out loud at her performance. She’s truly a genius at what she does.Â
There’s also the henchman Lonnie played by Pete Davidson, who works as Lefty’s assistant to do his dirty work as they are on a mission to hunt down Rocco. Most known for his work on Saturday Night Live, Davidson managed to transition successfully into feature film and has a knack for being able to balance comedy and tragedy respectively in his performances. If you have not seen the King of Staten Island, go do yourself a favor and watch it.
Every actor plays their part and gives their all in Riff Raff and it’s truly a fun film to experience. It’s also pretty clear that these actors were having a good time while making this. The writing and direction flowed well in this feature, which at times can be quite challenging in ensemble pieces. And for this to have an adaptation from a stage play, it was a seamless shift to a feature film environment.
Riff Raff is a film that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Tons of humor, great story, hilarious performances and a movie that bears repeat viewings.
Riff Raff premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
