The comedic trailers and posters for Roofman make it seem like a stark departure from Derek Cianfrance’s tragedy-skewing filmography, but don’t be fooled. The emotion of Roofman sneaks up on you; for all the feel-good fun, when the rug gets pulled out from under these characters, you’ll find Cianfrance’s capacity to twist your heartstrings is still very much there.

Set in the 2000s, the film tells the true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing ‘ma name Jeff’ Tatum), a veteran who, having disappointed his daughter one too many times on her birthday, decides to begin a career as a criminal. He eventually robs 45 McDonald’s by going in through the roof, using the money to make a better life for his family. After being caught and sentenced to 45 years in prison, he uses his superior skills of observation (honed in the army and utilised to full effect in his burglaries) to break out (in a manner remarkably similar to the prison break in another of Tatum’s films, Logan Lucky) and head out on the run, hiding out in a Toys R Us store until his old army pal (LaKeith Stanfield) can make him a fake passport. Ever resourceful, whilst in hiding he uses baby monitors to observe the store’s employees, eventually becoming invested in Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a single mother whose life and family he becomes inextricably involved in.

What follows is totally charming and funny, but also deeply felt. As wild as this stranger-than-fiction story is, the people at its heart feel fully realised and the film creates real empathy for them. Jeffrey is humanised even throughout his criminal activity – he is determined no one gets hurt, even giving his coat to an employee as he locks them in the freezer for the short duration of his heist. His intentions seem focused on his family and it is through his methods that he justifies his actions to himself and the film ensures you are fully on side from the start. Tatum is excellent in the role, keeping you invested in the character the whole time and delivering a layered performance that shows just how adept he can be at balancing the comedic with the tragic. Dunst is on top form, bringing a real authenticity to Leigh, and the naturalism of both leads keeps the film grounded despite its outlandishly true premise. The laughs are certainly there (the film is highly enjoyable) but never at the expense the human drama underneath. The two leads play off each other beautifully – their romance is wholly believable and easy to root for. On top of the inherent 2000s nostalgia of the film’s period and setting, there is a certain nostalgia for this kind of heartfelt comedy-drama lead by two charismatic actors. They are supported by an excellent cast including Uzo Aduba, Ben Mendelsohn and a standout Peter Dinklage as Leigh’s arrogant boss.

The laughs are definitely there, with the absurdity of the situation and the character interactions played brilliantly. Tatum is magnetic and the colourful supporting cast provide excellent moments of comedic friction. Beneath this, the film is also propelled by an underlying tension; through all of Jeffrey’s Toys R Us antics (subsisting on a diet of peanut M&Ms and baby food, gliding through empty aisles on heelys and in some ways living every kid’s dream), there is an anticipation and fear of being caught, with the triumphant moments of levity brought about when the cameras are off. Somewhat entranced by Leigh, when Jeffrey finds out about her toy drive (and Dinklage’s manager’s refusal to contribute from the store), he takes the toys himself, stepping out of his hiding place and assuming a false name, the tension thickens but remains a background force, lying in wait behind the romance and comedy. He initially intends to drop the toys off and leave but becomes entangled in the event and slowly gets more ingratiated into Leigh’s community and family. Their romance is tender and genuine and you can’t help but fall for their characters. There is a realism and grit to the film that imbues it with a feeling of authenticity – the characters and their actions ring true in a way that makes the plot all the more engaging. The film commands a huge amount of empathy which ultimately leads to a complicated mix of emotions in the film’s denouement and climax, ending with an emotional scene that feels honest and earned.

Roofman delivers just what you want it to – you’ll laugh but you’ll also cry, more than the marketing would have you believe. For all the comedy, charm and adventure, this is a film that is ultimately filled with humanity.