Paramount+ streaming ‘crazy’ film based on a true story | Films | Entertainment

This stranger-than-fiction crime-comedy is now on Paramount+

A critically acclaimed yet criminally overlooked cinematic treasure from 2025 is now ready to stream.

Inspired by an extraordinary true story, the film was directed by Derek Cianfrance, the creative force behind beloved indie dramas such as Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, with a major Hollywood name stepping into the lead role.

Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) plays Jeffrey Manchester, a struggling veteran and father who turns to a life of crime simply to keep his head above water.

Dubbed the ‘Roofman’ for his peculiar method of breaking into fast food restaurants through the roof at night to rob them the following morning, Jeffrey is nabbed at his daughter’s birthday party and handed a 45-year prison sentence.

He soon hatches an escape plan and successfully breaks into a Toys “R” Us store, where he manages to survive for a period on pilfered M&Ms. Upon discovering his ex-wife has cut off all contact, Jeffrey embarks on a tender yet deceitful romance with one of the toy shop’s staff members, Leigh (played by Kirsten Dunst).

Celebrated as one of the finest under-the-radar films of 2025, Roofman is now streaming on Paramount+ and is essential viewing for devotees of offbeat crime comedies and bittersweet romance.

One 10/10 IMDb review called it “one of the biggest surprises of 2025”, writing: “This is a movie I went in with a good amount of expectations and the movie overdelivered in every way imaginable.

“I love how this movie takes real life events and put a comedic spin on the story and the filmmakers do it in a way that actually works. You also have a fantastic ensemble cast in the movie including Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias and Peter Dinklage who are all great.”

Another viewer praised Roofman as an “unexpectedly pleasant experience”, confessing: “I was not interested in this movie but the reviews seemed decent so tried it out and I am glad that I made that decision. It is crazy that this movie is based on a true story. I am at a loss for words to describe all the emotional rollercoaster and ethical dilemma it caused throughout the movie.

“Crazy and suspenseful storyline aside, the acting by Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst was very well done and the chemistry between them made this movie even more credible and heart wrenching near the climax.

“This was unexpectedly an amazing movie and I really thank all the reviewers who helped me make my choice to go watch. What an experience. I am going to remember this one for a long time.”

An effusive review from a Rotten Tomatoes critic stated: “Absolutely loved this movie. Channing Tatum was incredible, this movie kept me engaged from the jump! Also incredible that this is based off a true story! Very good!”

A further admirer enthused: “Shocked by how much I liked this movie. I found it not just funnier but also more emotional than I was anticipating. Great film.”

Roofman is available to stream on Paramount+.