Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon, brings to life the 1993 Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel.
This new 2025 film adaptation stars Diego Luna as Valentín Arregui, a political prisoner imprisoned for leading a hunger strike, and Tonatiuh as Luis Molina, a gay window dresser with a penchant for fantasy and storytelling.
Jennifer Lopez embodies the glamorous Ingrid “La Luna” Luna, the persona Molina admires and channels in his retelling of the musical’s fictitious film sequences.
Set in 1983 Argentina under a repressive regime, the story contrasts the grim realities of political imprisonment with the vibrant allure of Hollywood musicals.
This duality is reflected in the film’s structure, which shifts between the stark prison cells where Molina and Valentín share their world and the lush musical fantasy wherein Molina’s storytelling breathes life into the gaudy, colorful life of Aurora, a fashion magazine editor played by Lopez.
Complex Characters and Chemistry Behind Bars
The dynamic between Molina and Valentín forms the emotional core of the film. Molina, full of dreams and optimism, uses the power of narrative to escape the brutal confines of prison life. Meanwhile, Valentín remains rooted in his political ideals and the somber realities of resistance.
Their initial tension gives way to a fragile friendship and even something resembling romance, shaped by their opposing worldviews but shared humanity.
Tonatiuh’s portrayal of Molina is both vibrant and heartfelt, imbuing the character with resilience and a hopeful spirit. Diego Luna’s Valentín provides a stoic, grounded counterbalance; his character is guarded but not immune to Molina’s warmth and imaginative escapism.
Lopez’s role as Aurora bridges both worlds, her glittering musical numbers adding spectacle and emotional depth with confident charisma and energy that captivate the audience.
A Feast of Spectacle and Contrasts
Bill Condon’s screenplay masterfully weaves the two realms, harsh political reality and fantastical musical, in a manner reminiscent of his earlier film, Chicago.
The musical sections are bold, bursting with dazzling choreography, glamorous costumes, and infectious tunes penned by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Lopez’s performances stand out, especially in the film’s final numbers, which received enthusiastic applause during premieres.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Credit: Netflix)
Yet, balancing these extravagant sequences with the grim prison narrative proves challenging. Some moments in the prison setting feel uneven or contrived, struggling to fully capture the gravity of Valentín’s political fight.
The relationship’s development occasionally lags, and Molina’s subplot involving the prison warden feels undercooked, given its early predictability.
The Power of Escapism and Connection
At its heart, Kiss of the Spider Woman isn’t just a story about political oppression; it is about the vital role of hope, fantasy, and human connection in the darkest of times.
Molina’s storytelling is a lifeline not only for himself but also for Valentín, who initially resists but eventually finds solace and even love in their shared moments.
The film stresses that love can be revolutionary and transformative, an idea crystallized in the film’s poignant, more hopeful ending, where Valentín’s survival and remembrance of Molina symbolize resilience beyond prison walls.
This theme echoes Manuel Puig’s original novel and the subsequent adaptations’ intent: to show how imagination and intimacy can defy brutality. The fantasy musical numbers provide not just spectacle but a vital emotional contrast, emphasizing how imagination nourishes the human spirit when freedom is denied.
Strengths, Flaws, and Lasting Impact
While not without flaws, Kiss of the Spider Woman excels in bringing audiences into an immersive emotional experience. Its lavish musical numbers punctuate the story’s darker themes, highlighting the necessity of fantasy as refuge and the sustaining power of connection in dire circumstances.
Condon’s direction leans into both spectacle and intimacy, creating a film that is as much about human resilience as it is about show-stopping performances.
Jennifer Lopez commands the screen whenever she appears, embracing both the campy and heartfelt elements with remarkable skill. Tonatiuh and Luna’s chemistry ensures the relationship at the heart of the film feels genuine and complex, even when the script hesitates or overextends.
This adaptation may not reach the heights of Chicago but offers a distinctive and engaging take on a timeless story of love, survival, and hope under oppression.
It invites viewers to simultaneously confront harsh truths and delight in the escapism that only a musical can provide, a balancing act that, despite some missteps, resonates deeply.
True stories adapted into films often brim with unbelievable moments that make for compelling cinema, but Roofman tells a tale so strange it barely seems real.
Jeffrey Manchester, portrayed by Channing Tatum, is a former Army veteran and struggling father who turns to robbing fast-food restaurants, not through the front door, but via the roofs. This unconventional tactic earns him the nickname “Roofman.”
His polite demeanor during these robberies calmed employees, giving out his coat to keep them warm and treating them kindly, adds a unique touch to what could have been a run-of-the-mill crime spree.
Manchester’s criminal activities captured public attention for over two years, but his story doesn’t end with a simple capture. After spending a short time in prison, he stages a daring escape and goes into hiding, choosing the most unlikely refuge: a hidden space inside a Toys “R” Us store.
There, he adopts a new identity, lives undetected, and even forms a relationship with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a recently divorced employee he meets while hiding out. This bizarre and touching story forms the core of Roofman, a film that balances humor, drama, and suspense in equal parts.
Channing Tatum’s Engaging Lead Performance
Roofman belongs to Channing Tatum, who captures the complexities of Jeffrey Manchester with charm, humor, and genuine emotional depth. Tatum navigates the character’s shades expertly, portraying a man whose “terrible decisions” stem from desperation and love for his children.
One of the film’s most gripping moments is when Tatum’s face reveals heartbreak as Jeffrey realizes the consequences of his prison sentence, a scene that speaks volumes without heavy dialogue.
Tatum’s charisma carries the film, making viewers empathize with his flaws while rooting for his survival and redemption.
His ability to express vulnerability and determination lends credibility to a character whose criminal actions might otherwise alienate audiences. This role stands as one of Tatum’s finest, blending moments of levity with heartrending sincerity.
A Story Packed with Detail: Both a Strength and a Drawback
Director Derek Cianfrance does not shy away from any part of Manchester’s story. The film meticulously lays out the robberies, escape, and life inside the toy store.
This attention to detail enriches the narrative; viewers get to see Jeffrey’s resourcefulness as he makes a home amidst Disney merchandise and stuffed animals. These scenes provide genuine moments of comedy and warmth, balancing the tension with appealing character beats.
However, the film’s thorough approach also leads to a runtime of just over two hours, causing a few lulls and pacing issues. While the romance between Jeffrey and Leigh adds emotional stakes, it also slows down the narrative at times.
Their evolving relationship is sweet and believable, thanks largely to Tatum and Dunst’s chemistry, but it diverts focus from the broader suspense of Jeffrey’s precarious situation.
A Strong Supporting Cast Enhances the World
Besides Tatum and Dunst, the film features a talented ensemble including LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, and Uzo Aduba, though many of these wonderful actors have limited screen time.
Roofman (Credit: High Frequency Entertainment)
Their presence adds texture to the story and offers a look at the diverse lives that intersect with Jeffrey’s, creating a more complete portrait of his world. The supporting cast enhances the film’s emotional depth by providing contrast and grounding the protagonist’s extraordinary journey in relatable human experiences.
An Unusual Hideout with Unexpected Heart
Arguably, the most compelling parts of Roofman are those set inside Toys “R” Us, where Jeffrey lives in secret for six months. This hidden space offers a fascinating mix of whimsy and tension.
The contrast between the innocence of toys, colorful displays, and Jeffrey’s fugitive status creates a unique atmosphere that blends humor with anxiety. Within this unlikely sanctuary, the film shines brightest, exploring themes of isolation, survival, and the longing for connection.
As Jeffrey grows closer to Leigh and her daughters, the story adds layers to his character beyond the crimes and escapes. His investment in their lives reflects his desperate desire for normalcy and family bonds, making his risky double life deeply affecting.
These moments ground the film emotionally, prompting viewers to root for his success and safety.
Balancing Humor, Drama, and True Crime
Roofman may feel slightly bloated at times, but its balance of tones makes it a captivating watch. The film’s humor often stems from Jeffrey’s ingenious, sometimes absurd methods of evading capture and turning everyday objects into survival tools.
At the same time, the dramatic weight of his personal struggles and the looming threat of a manhunt keep the stakes high.
Director Derek Cianfrance’s script, co-written with Kirt Gunn, treats Jeffrey’s story with the care of a character study, unflinchingly showing his strengths and flaws.
The film does not glorify crime but humanizes a man caught between desperation and hope. This grounded approach, combined with moments of levity, ensures the story is entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Why Roofman Works
What ultimately makes Roofman stand out is its unique true story that sounds almost too bizarre to be true, paired with Channing Tatum’s strong and nuanced performance.
The film captures the absurdity and humanity of Jeffrey Manchester’s experiences, taking viewers on a rollercoaster of comedy, suspense, and heartfelt moments.
Though the film has minor pacing issues and some underused supporting roles, it succeeds in bringing a fascinating character and extraordinary story to life. Its moments inside the toy store are unforgettable, mixing vulnerability with creativity and injecting warmth into what could have been a straightforward crime drama.
For anyone who enjoys stories where truth is stranger than fiction, Roofman provides a perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense that makes it hard to turn away.
