Families are complicated. That’s one of the clear takeaways from Riff Raff, a new film that opens on February 28. The film focuses on two families who intersect in surprising and violent ways.

Vincent (Ed Harris) is trying to enjoy a quiet New Years at his secluded cabin with his wife (Gabrielle Union) and his stepson, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). Vincent is the only father DJ has ever known after his biological father died in a car accident. Vincent was there to pick up the pieces and has built a quiet life for them.

But that isn’t what his past was like. When Vincent’s own son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman) crashes the party with his pregnant girlfriend (Emanuela Postacchini) and mother (Jennifer Coolidge) in tow, it shakes things up. It’s clear that something is up with Rocco, but he’s not quite ready to share. As their stay extends, he finally lets his father know that he’s found himself in the middle of something and he needs help.

Turns out someone from Vincent’s past, Lefty (Bill Murray), is hot on his tail after an incident back in the city. And Lefty has brought his right-hand man, Lonnie (Pete Davidson), along for the ride, cutting a violent swath across Maine as part of their search.

This film has a lot going on and a lot of layers packed into an hour and 43 minutes. But does it work? Not always. It’s clear that the film hopes to inject some comedy while bringing in the drama. And there are comedic performers here, but the jokes fall flat and much of the dramatic sequences end up awkward.

It’s a talented cast but a complicated set up. By the time we get to the eventual Third Act collision, it just isn’t that interesting. And the way it all plays out, including the tacked on ending sequence, feels disjointed.

There’s some potential here, but it fails to come together. The film ends up something of a mess because of a wildly disjointed script.

Riff Raff opens nationwide February 28.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.