Riff Raff is a Deviously Funny Family Crime Drama

Riff Raff

★ ★ ★ ★

Riff Raff tells the story about an ex-mafia hitman named Vincent (Ed Harris) who just wants to have a normal family life. For the past 18 years, he’s been married to Sandy (Gabrielle Union), and they’re spending a week in their extravagant vacation cabin before their son DJ (Miles J. Harvey) goes off to college. For nearly two decades, they’ve been a moderately normal family.

Vincent’s world is turned upside down when his son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) unexpectedly arrives. Traveling with Rocco are his mother, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge) – who also happens to be Vincent’s ex-wife – and Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), his very pregnant fiancée.

Jennifer Coolidge and Lewis Pullman
© 2025 Roadside Attractions

Rocco has screwed up. He killed Marina’s ex-boyfriend Johnny (Michael Angelo Covino) in a bar fight. Lefty (Bill Murray) is Johnny’s father and is hunting him down to kill him with the help of fellow hitman Lonnie (Pete Davidson).

With his estranged son, alcoholic wife and pregnant, soon-to-be-Italian daughter-in-law as sudden houseguests, Vincent’s hopes of a normal vacation with Sandy and DJ are dashed. If Rocco’s situation isn’t enough, the unchecked family drama will make it a stressful reunion.

Pete Davidson as Lonnie
© 2025 Roadside Attractions

The film is full of unique characters in a screenplay not afraid to open old wounds and family conflict. Lefty, Rocco and Ruth are the comedic equivalent of Vincent’s past catching up with him.

Murray’s portrayal of Lefty is oddly endearing, though we know we should be rooting against him. He makes a fantastic bad guy with his sarcastic, deadpan acting. This is old-school Bill Murray, but this time as the villain.

Lonnie, exquisitely portrayed by Davidson, brings his own unique, quirky bad-guy groove. His character seems to be there to make sure Lefty doesn’t get into too much trouble. They have disagreements on who to kill and how to kill them along the way. We get the sense that Lefty has been mentoring Lonnie for some time.

Jennifer Coolidge as Ruth
© 2025 Roadside Attractions

Vincent just wants to keep his family together, despite all the madness suddenly thrust into his life. Ruth’s chaos and Rocco’s poor judgement threaten his quest for normalcy every step of the way.

All the characters work very well together, and those dynamics keep the film entertaining. It’s an excellent family crime dramedy with great acting and a very well-written script.