‘The Roses’: Benedict Cumberbatch and Tony McNamara on Crafting ‘Weaponized Banter’ in Modern Marriage

The highly anticipated film ‘The Roses,’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, offers a sharp, contemporary reimagining of marital discord. Screenwriter Tony McNamara, known for his distinctive dialogue in films like ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Poor Things,’ collaborated with director Jay Roach to revisit the themes of ‘The War of the Roses,’ but with a distinctly modern sensibility. In discussions surrounding the new movie, McNamara and Cumberbatch have shed light on their approach, particularly the concept of “weaponized banter” as a central force driving their characters’ tumultuous relationship.

Reimagining a Classic Tale of Marital Strife

‘The Roses’ draws inspiration from Warren Adler’s 1981 novel and Danny DeVito’s iconic 1989 film adaptation, ‘The War of the Roses.’ However, the creative team behind the latest iteration has consciously steered clear of a direct remake. McNamara explained his impetus was not to replicate the original but to “reimagine it as, basically, a story about contemporary marriage.” He sought to explore “two people who desperately want to stay together but are very bad at it,” shifting the focus from a divorce battle to the complex, often fraught, dynamics of couples trying to make their union work despite inherent flaws and ambitions. This approach positions ‘The Roses’ not just as a dark comedy, but as a cautionary tale about the challenges of modern partnership, setting it apart from its predecessor.

The Nuance of ‘Weaponized Banter’

Central to the film’s thematic exploration is the idea of “weaponized banter.” McNamara described this as a unique form of communication where “British politeness turned into a weapon.” He elaborated that while the original ‘War of the Roses’ focused on escalating warfare, ‘The Roses’ delves into how everyday witty exchanges, when imbued with underlying resentment, can become insidious tools of emotional sabotage. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays architect Theo Rose, echoed this sentiment, noting that his character and Ivy (Colman) struggle with a “lack of responsibility and honesty,” allowing their sharp, witty exchanges to evolve into a “destructive pattern.” This linguistic warfare, born from genuine affection, becomes the very mechanism that pulls them apart, highlighting the subtle yet powerful ways communication can both build and dismantle a relationship.

A Masterclass in Performance

The on-screen chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman is a cornerstone of ‘The Roses.’ Having been friends for years, the actors bring a palpable, effortless rapport to their roles as Theo and Ivy Rose, a couple whose initial deep connection devolves into acrimony. Critics and the creators alike have lauded their ability to navigate the fine line between heartfelt affection and biting sarcasm. Cumberbatch highlighted how their characters’ failures are sown early on, developing from innocuous remarks into deeper resentments. Colman, as Ivy, a chef whose career takes flight while Theo’s architectural career falters, and Cumberbatch, as Theo, who pivots to become the primary caregiver, expertly portray the shifting power dynamics. Their performances are key to making the couple’s descent into a “verbal fencing match,” as described by McNamara, both believable and compelling.

Contemporary Fault Lines in Marriage

‘The Roses’ examines how societal pressures and personal ambitions can fracture even the most promising unions. McNamara intentionally crafted a scenario where both partners are ambitious – Theo, an architect, and Ivy, a chef – reflecting contemporary dual-career marriages. The narrative explores the impact of career role reversals, with Theo’s professional setbacks leading him to become a stay-at-home parent, while Ivy’s culinary success grows. This shift, coupled with their move to a new, expansive house, exacerbates their emotional distance. The film uses these elements to dissect the contemporary pressures that can pull couples apart, such as the relentless drive for success and the potential for ego and ambition to overshadow genuine connection. The latest movie review discussions often cite how the film captures these nuanced struggles.

A Modern Cautionary Tale

Ultimately, ‘The Roses’ aims to be more than just a dark comedy; it functions as a cautionary tale about the fragility of marriage and the importance of sustained effort. While some reviews note that the film might lack the sheer ferocity of its predecessor, the consensus is that its strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of a couple grappling with modern marital challenges. Benedict Cumberbatch and Tony McNamara have crafted a movie that uses sharp dialogue and compelling performances to explore the intricate, often painful, landscape of love, ambition, and communication breakdown in the 21st century. The film’s exploration of these themes makes it a significant entry in the genre of contemporary relationship movies.