Summary
Jay Roach’s The Roses offers a contemporary twist on the classic tale of marital conflict. Featuring standout performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, the film blends dark comedy with emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of a strikingly designed home, it explores ambition, power struggles, and the fragility of love, making it a must-watch for fans of modern drama and character-driven storytelling.
Jay Roach’s The Roses (2025) reinvents the darkly comic battle of The War of the Roses, bringing together Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman in a story of love, betrayal, and ambition. The film explores a modern marriage where success, jealousy, and pride collide, turning a once blissful union into a battlefield. With its striking design, stellar performances, and sharp writing, The Roses has captured audience attention and sparked discussions about marriage, class, and ego in contemporary society.
Story Overview: A Marriage on the Edge
Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Colman) Rose appear to have it all—a loving marriage, careers, and an impressive home. However, their idyllic life quickly unravels. Ivy’s culinary career ascends while Theo’s professional endeavors falter, creating tension. What begins as subtle resentments escalates into a high-stakes war of ego and pride.
The centerpiece is a magnificent glass house designed as a symbol of their dreams, yet it becomes a battleground for the couple’s power struggles. As their fights intensify, the house itself mirrors the fragility of their marriage.
Performances: Chemistry and Conflict
Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman deliver performances that oscillate between charm and menace. Early scenes show a playful couple, full of witty banter and tenderness. As the story progresses, their chemistry turns electric with tension, revealing the toxic undercurrents of their relationship.
Cumberbatch’s Theo oscillates between vulnerability and frustration, while Colman’s Ivy demonstrates wit, independence, and cunning. Their performances are central to the film’s impact—without them, the story could collapse under the weight of its dark comedy.
Supporting actors, including Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, and Allison Janney, provide comic relief and perspective, though the focus remains firmly on the lead duo.
Visual Storytelling: The House as a Character
Production designer Mark Ricker turned the Rose residence into more than a set—it’s a character. The glass walls, open layouts, and elegant finishes serve both as visual delight and a symbol of fragility. Every fight, secret, and betrayal unfolds within its walls, making architecture an integral storytelling device.
The home’s beauty and eventual destruction mirror the emotional journey of Theo and Ivy, reinforcing the themes of ambition, pride, and the consequences of broken communication.
Tone and Style: Dark Comedy with Emotional Depth
The Roses blends biting humor with emotional resonance. While it echoes the satirical edge of the original War of the Roses, Roach’s version adds contemporary context: gender dynamics, career envy, and social media pressures.
Though some critics argue the film avoids the full dark edge of its predecessor, it compensates with strong character-driven storytelling. Its humor ranges from subtle irony to outright absurdity, creating moments of both laughter and discomfort.
Themes Explored in The Roses
Ambition and Resentment
The film examines how career success and failures impact relationships. Ivy’s rise as a chef contrasts with Theo’s struggles, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and shared dreams.
Power Dynamics
Every interaction becomes a subtle battle for control, from financial decisions to emotional manipulation. The narrative questions whether love can survive when two people’s aspirations conflict.
Modern Marriage and Social Commentary
By situating the story in a contemporary setting, the film addresses modern pressures: public perception, career competitiveness, and evolving gender roles. These elements deepen the narrative, giving audiences both entertainment and food for thought.
Audience and Critical Reception
The Roses has received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praise the performances, production design, and sharp dialogue but note tonal inconsistencies.
- Rotten Tomatoes: ~65% positive reviews
- Metacritic: Score near 59/100
- Audience reactions: Strong appreciation for the lead performances and darkly comedic elements
Fans have highlighted the relatability of marital tension and the enjoyment of seeing seasoned actors navigate a story that’s both funny and painful.
Why The Roses Resonates Today
- Relatable Relationship Dynamics: Many viewers see their own marital or partnership struggles reflected in Theo and Ivy’s conflicts.
- Star Power: Cumberbatch and Colman attract audiences who value nuanced performances.
- Visual and Emotional Storytelling: The house, cinematography, and score all heighten the emotional stakes.
- Humor Meets Drama: Dark comedy allows for reflection while maintaining engagement.
Behind the Scenes: Making of a Modern Classic
Director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara invested significant effort into balancing comedy with drama. Rehearsals emphasized timing and chemistry between the leads, ensuring that each verbal sparring and physical confrontation felt natural.
Production design and cinematography focused on the symbolic use of space, reinforcing themes of exposure, vulnerability, and conflict. Every fight scene and heated exchange was choreographed not just for drama but to emphasize the emotional stakes.
Conclusion: A Marriage on Display
The Roses offers a contemporary lens on love, ambition, and marital conflict. With compelling lead performances, stunning visuals, and a mix of dark comedy and emotional depth, it invites audiences to reflect on relationships, communication, and the consequences of pride. While it may not fully embrace the chaotic fury of the original, it succeeds in offering a visually and emotionally engaging experience.
For anyone interested in modern marriage dramas, black comedy, or stellar acting performances, The Roses is a must-watch.
Also read : Mariah the Scientist – Hearts Sold Separately (2025) Album Review
FAQs
Q1: Is The Roses a remake of The War of the Roses?
Yes, it’s a modern reimagining of the 1989 classic, updating the story with contemporary gender dynamics, careers, and social pressures.
Q2: Who stars in The Roses?
Benedict Cumberbatch (Theo Rose) and Olivia Colman (Ivy Rose) are the leads, with supporting roles by Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Q3: When is it in theaters and streaming?
Theatrical release: August 29, 2025 (U.S.). Streaming platforms may follow in late 2025.
Q4: What are the main themes of the film?
Marriage, power dynamics, ambition, betrayal, and the fragility of love are central themes.
Q5: How has the film been received?
Critics have praised the lead performances, production design, and humor, though some note tonal inconsistencies. Audience responses highlight the relatability and entertainment value.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment
Discover more from Cine Storytellers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
