Kirsten Dunst in a scene from Paramount Pictures' 2025 film "ROOFMAN"Kirsten Dunst stars in Paramount Pictures’ “ROOFMAN.” 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In Roofman, the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a convicted thief known for breaking into restaurants through their roofs, is brought to life with surprising emotional depth. At the heart of the film is how Kirsten Dunst brings humanity to her role, turning a crime drama into a deeply personal story about empathy, isolation, and second chances.

How Kirsten Dunst Brings Humanity to a True Crime Story

In Roofman, the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a convicted thief known for breaking into restaurants through their roofs, is told with both heart and intensity. At the center of it all is how Kirsten Dunst brings humanity to her role. Her performance makes the character’s journey feel real, raw, and deeply grounded.

In 2004, after escaping a North Carolina prison, Manchester hid inside a Toys “R” Us store for months. He secretly lived above the ceiling tiles, quietly planning his next move. His unusual and surprisingly resourceful life captured national attention, blending moments of tragedy with creativity and hope. The film reflects that balance with thoughtful care.

Directed and co-written by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), the movie doesn’t dwell on the crimes. Instead, it focuses on the man behind them. Cianfrance uses his trademark empathy to turn what could have been a standard heist story into something more reflective and personal. That emotional depth comes through especially in the performances  and in how Kirsten Dunst brings humanity to every scene, showing the pain, hope, and complexity behind each decision.

Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum Lead the Cast

Starring Kirsten Dunst opposite Channing Tatum, Roofman explores how one man’s mistakes and resilience collide with those trying to understand him. Dunst praised Cianfrance’s grounded direction and the film’s focus on heart over spectacle, calling it “a deeply human story that stays with you long after the credits roll.”

Click on the media bar below to hear Kirsten Dunst discuss Roofman:

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Watch the Official Roofman Trailer

Watch the official trailer for Roofman below:

A Film About Redemption and Humanity

Blending fact with empathy, Roofman reveals a nuanced portrait of redemption and second chances. Instead of glorifying crime, it focuses on the emotional aftermath and the quiet, shared humanity that connects everyone involved.

Roofman opens in theaters this Friday.