“Riff Raff” is a 2024 American crime comedy film directed by Dito Montiel and written by John Pollono. Vincent a former thief who wants to live a peaceful life with his wife Sandy and their son DJ, is at the center of the story. When Vincent’s ex-wife Ruth, their son Rocco, and his pregnant girlfriend Marina unexpectedly arrive, they bring warnings of impending danger from gangsters Leftie and Lonnie.
The locations of Riff Raff’s filming are all described in this article, along with how they contributed to the movie’s dark and funny atmosphere. Jennifer Coolidge, Gabrielle Union, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris and Bill Murray are just a few of the great actors in the movie. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2024 and was released in the U.S. on February 28, 2025 by Roadside Attractions and Grindstone Entertainment Group.
Where Was ‘Riff Raff‘ Filmed?
Riff Raff was filmed across various locations in New Jersey, including Bayonne, Mahwah, Clark, Mountainview, Plainfield and the City of Orange. Let’s explore these locations in detail:
Bayonne, New Jersey
Bayonne served as one of the film’s primary locations, providing an authentic blue-collar backdrop for the story. The city’s industrial landscape and close-knit neighborhoods gave Riff Raff a grounded, realistic feel.
According to the director, “Bayonne has that perfect mix of grit and charm. It’s a place where real stories unfold every day, making it a great setting for this film.”
Fun fact: Bayonne has also been a filming location for movies like War of the Worlds (2005) and The Irishman (2019), proving its appeal for urban, dramatic storytelling.
Mahwah, New Jersey
The production also utilized private homes in Mahwah, a peaceful township in Bergen County. This location provided the perfect contrast to Bayonne, adding depth to the film’s setting by showcasing a more suburban lifestyle.
A cast member mentioned, “Filming in Mahwah was like stepping into another world compared to the city locations. It gave a nice balance to the chaotic crime elements in the film.”
Mahwah has been known for its scenic beauty and has hosted various productions, making it a desirable location for filmmakers.
Additional Filming Locations
Apart from Bayonne and Mahwah, several other New Jersey towns played a role in bringing Riff Raff to life, including:
- Clark—Used for suburban settings and neighborhood scenes.
- Mountainview—Provided scenic outdoor backdrops.
- Plainfield—Featured in high-intensity chase sequences.
- City of Orange—Utilized for some of the film’s darker, crime-driven moments.
These locations collectively contributed to the movie’s dynamic and immersive atmosphere.
When Did the Filming of ‘Riff Raff‘ Take Place?
Filming for Riff Raff officially began in September 2023 and continued through late 2023. By November, various locations across New Jersey were actively being used for production. The timeline ensured the film captured the autumn aesthetic, adding visual depth to its storytelling.
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Riff Raff Plot Summary
Riff Raff is a wild crime comedy that throws a dysfunctional family into a snowy mess of revenge and dark laughs. The story centers on Vincent (Ed Harris), a grizzled ex-criminal who’s traded his shady past for a quiet life with his wife Sandy (Gabrielle Union) and their teenage son DJ (Miles J. Harvey). The trio heads to a cozy cabin in New Jersey for a winter break, hoping for some peace and family bonding. But Vincent’s old life isn’t done with him yet.
Trouble arrives in the form of Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), Vincent’s brassy ex-wife, who shows up with their estranged son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) and his edgy girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini). They’re not there for a reunion—they’re warning Vincent about two gangsters hot on his tail: Leftie (Bill Murray), a quirky mobster with a grudge, and Lonnie (Pete Davidson), his twitchy, unpredictable sidekick. Turns out, Vincent’s past includes a botched heist that left Leftie burned, and now the old crook wants payback—preferably in blood.
What starts as an awkward family clash quickly spirals into chaos. Ruth and Rocco have their own baggage with Vincent and Sandy’s stuck trying to keep everyone from killing each other. Meanwhile, Leftie and Lonnie close in, turning the cabin into a pressure cooker of snarky one-liners, double-crosses and some seriously dark twists. It’s a game of who’s scamming who, with everyone hiding secrets and playing their own angle. By the end, Riff Raff delivers a bloody, funny showdown that’s as messy as the family at its heart—think holiday dysfunction meets gangster grudge match.
Behind the Scenes of Riff Raff (2024)
Under the direction of director Dito Montiel, creating Riff Raff was an exhilarating journey that seamlessly fused high-profile talent with independent determination. Filming kicked off in late 2023 in New Jersey, where the crew transformed quiet suburban spots into the chaotic backdrop for this dark comedy. Montiel, known for his raw storytelling from A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, brought his punk-rock edge to the set—think less rigid schedules and more go-with-the-flow vibes. He’s said in interviews that he doesn’t overthink genre; he just dives into the characters. One day, he had an impromptu idea to have Jennifer Coolidge’s Ruth snoop through Sandy’s fancy bathroom goodies—a scene that wasn’t scripted but became a fan favorite for its sneaky depth.
The cast was a dream team, and they clicked like old pals. Ed Harris, playing the gruff Vincent, leaned into his role with quiet intensity, while Coolidge turned Ruth into a loud, lovable trainwreck—rumor has it she improvised some of her best lines, keeping the crew in stitches. Bill Murray and Pete Davidson, as the oddball gangsters Leftie and Lonnie, were a riot together; their off-screen banter reportedly shaped their on-screen chemistry. Gabrielle Union, as Sandy, brought a steady calm to the madness, often helping the younger actors like Miles J. Harvey (DJ) find their footing.
Shot on a tight schedule, the production leaned on cinematographer Xavier Grobet’s knack for moody lighting to give the cabin a claustrophobic feel. Montiel’s loose directing style meant some scenes—like the bloody finale—were reworked on the fly, with the cast pitching ideas. It wasn’t all smooth sailing; early casting swaps (Dustin Hoffman and Brian Cox were replaced by Harris and Murray) shook things up, but the final lineup made Riff Raff a quirky, star-packed gem.
Riff Raff Cast Details
- Jennifer Coolidge as Ruth
- Ed Harris as Vincent
- Gabrielle Union as Sandy
- Lewis Pullman as Rocco
- Pete Davidson as Lonnie
- Bill Murray as Leftie
Riff Raff Official Trailer
The official trailer for Riff Raff has been released, offering a glimpse into the film’s thrilling crime-comedy mix. Watch it here:
New Jersey filming locations for Riff Raff were very important in creating the movie’s unique mood. Don’t miss watching the Riff Raff movie.
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