The last time I went on a ‘peaceful’ family getaway, I thought I had found the golden ticket—a weekend cabin retreat, nestled in nature, complete with good food, downtime, and the promise of some much-needed peace. Well, let’s just say that it turned into a chaotic, stress-filled experience in record time. Ever had one of those days where you just want to escape the world, retreat to a quiet cabin, and forget about all the noise?
That’s what Vincent (Ed Harris) and his family thought they were doing in Dito Montiel’s Riff Raff—a peaceful getaway.
But this flick doesn’t just dip its toes in humor; it leaps in with both feet, showing how family reunions can go from cringe-worthy to a full-blown disaster, spiced up with a shot of violence and unexpected curveballs.
What’s the plot of Riff Raff? When family drama takes a dangerous turn
Okay, picture this: you’re Vincent (Ed Harris), a reformed criminal who’s just trying to enjoy a quiet New Year’s getaway with your wife, Sandy (Gabrielle Union), and son DJ (Miles J. Harvey) at a remote cabin. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. Their peaceful trip is disrupted when Vincent’s estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), shows up unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and his unconscious mother, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge).
Turns out, Rocco is running from two psychotic criminals, Lefty (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson), who have a personal vendetta to settle. As these criminals close in on the family, DJ starts to unravel his father’s complicated past and quickly learns that life with Vincent isn’t as simple as it seems.
If you’ve ever had your life turned upside down by unexpected visitors — or worse, by family you never quite understood — you’ll get it. The stress of dealing with uninvited guests, unspoken grudges, and the inevitable tension that follows could make anyone feel like they’ve stepped into a twisted comedy.
A star-studded cast shines, but the chemistry falls short
I’ll be the first to admit that one of the reasons I was drawn to Riff Raff was the stellar cast. Honestly, just looking at the names made me think, “This is going to be a fun ride.” Ed Harris as Vincent? Gabrielle Union as his no-nonsense wife? Jennifer Coolidge as an ex-wife who’s a little too comfortable in her own skin? Not to mention Bill Murray and Pete Davidson playing hitmen with a knack for humor—what’s not to love?
Harris does his usual thing as the gruff, secretive father trying to leave his criminal past behind. But honestly, I didn’t quite buy the chemistry between him and Gabrielle Union. It wasn’t terrible, but it just didn’t hit the mark. It felt like two talented actors filling roles rather than portraying a believable married couple. That’s not to say the performances weren’t strong, though. Harris still brings gravitas to the role of Vincent.
And then there’s Jennifer Coolidge, who plays Ruth, Vincent’s boozy ex-wife. I can’t get enough of her comedic brilliance; she’s crass, inappropriate, and absolutely hilarious. She steals every scene she’s in, delivering every one of her absurd one-liners with impeccable timing. In fact, her character is so weirdly lovable that I found myself rooting for her, even when she’s saying all the wrong things.
But the real surprise for me was Bill Murray. Lefty, the mobster with a conscience (sort of), is a character unlike any I’ve seen him play before. He’s still got that trademark dry humor, but his deadpan delivery is balanced with a real sense of menace. And then there’s Pete Davidson as Lonnie, a less polished henchman, who delivers his lines with a slightly unhinged charm that works in this offbeat setting. If there’s anything that makes Riff Raff worth watching, it’s definitely these two.
But perhaps my favorite performance comes from Miles J. Harvey as DJ, the college-bound son who narrates the story. DJ is awkward, nerdy, and a little too mature for his age—and Harvey nails it. His dry, witty observations add to the film’s charm, and his ability to mix humor with real emotional weight made him a character I genuinely cared about.
A hilarious, tense ride with a few bumpy transitions
The best thing about Riff Raff is its ability to balance tension with humor. It’s like having the most uncomfortable dinner party where everyone’s laughing one moment and then eyeing each other with suspicion the next. The film uses comedic timing to heighten the tension, creating moments where you’re laughing through gritted teeth, unsure if the next moment will bring a joke or a bloody confrontation.
The script, written by John Pollono, has sharp dialogue that hits the right notes, especially in the moments where the characters’ absurdity shines through.
But here’s the thing—the film’s narrative structure is a bit of a mess at times. The flashbacks to DJ’s past, explaining the family dynamics and history, are essential to the story but also disrupt the flow.
While I appreciate the effort to flesh out the characters, there were moments when these flashbacks felt a bit jarring, pulling me out of the main action. The transitions weren’t always smooth, and that’s something that I think could have been handled better. Still, the tension that builds from these shifts is effective, especially when combined with ominous music and slow zoom-ins that create a retro noir vibe.
Slow pacing and a jarring ending leave you wondering what could’ve been
Now, if you’re someone who thrives on fast-paced thrillers, Riff Raff might feel a little slow for your taste. The film has a somewhat stage-like quality, with long dialogues and less action than you might expect. Some might find it engaging, but for me, the pacing felt like it could’ve used a little more momentum. While it allows the characters and relationships to breathe, it also drags in places. I sometimes found myself wanting more action, or at least a more consistent rhythm.
And then there’s the ending. It’s like the film couldn’t decide if it wanted to end with a bang or a whimper, so it kind of does both. The sudden switch in tone during the finale was a bit jarring, especially after the film spent so much time in a more lighthearted, chaotic space. The ending felt like a sudden shift in gears, and while it wasn’t bad, it left me feeling a little… off.
It’s as if the movie couldn’t fully embrace its dark comedic side, nor could it fully commit to being a gritty crime thriller.
Is Riff Raff worth the watch?
Riff Raff is one of those movies that has all the ingredients for something great but doesn’t quite come together in a flawless way. The cast is phenomenal, the dark humor is sharp, and the tension is palpable. But the pacing issues and the odd tonal shifts prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, I found myself enjoying the film, mostly due to the performances.
If you’re in the mood for something that mixes family drama, crime, and comedy—and you’re okay with a little chaos thrown in—then Riff Raff is definitely worth a watch. Just remember: family vacations aren’t always what they seem, and if you show up at the cabin, you better have a knife in your pocket and a flask in your hand. Because in this family, things can get messy fast.
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