Roofman (2025) Movie Ending Explained: Was Jeffrey Manchester a Villain or a Victim of His Circumstances?

Roofman (2025) Movie Ending Explained

Overview of Jeffrey Manchester’s Story

Roofman (2025) concludes with a poignant mix of heartbreak and reflection, exploring crime, guilt, and the quest for redemption. The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a criminal known for his unusual tactic of breaking into McDonald’s restaurants through the roof.

Unlike typical crime movies, Roofman adopts a surprisingly empathetic tone. Many of Jeffrey’s victims have expressed unexpected fondness for him, introducing a moral complexity that distinguishes the film from usual true-crime narratives.

The Crime and Capture

After a series of McDonald’s robberies, Jeffrey is eventually caught and imprisoned. However, his resourcefulness continues as he orchestrates a bold prison escape.

He then hides undetected for months inside a Toys “R” Us store, living a secret life away from suspicion.

Jeffrey’s Secret Life and Love

While in hiding, Jeffrey falls in love with a woman named Leigh. This relationship forces him to juggle his hidden existence and personal affection.

As these two parts of his life come into conflict, his carefully maintained double life begins to break down, leading to his ultimate downfall.

Opening Scene

The film opens with a man climbing into a McDonald’s through the roof. Inside, Manager Duane enters with employees Jade and Joslyn, assigning daily tasks. Suddenly, Jeffrey, masked and armed with a rifle, orders the staff to grab their coats and enter the freezer. When Duane lacks a jacket, Jeffrey offers him his own.

"Roofman strikes a surprisingly empathetic tone, as many of Jeffrey’s real-life victims have spoken of him with unexpected fondness."

Author’s Summary

Roofman (2025) artfully portrays Jeffrey Manchester not just as a criminal, but as a complex figure caught between his crimes and a yearning for connection and redemption.

High On Films — 2025-11-12