“The Roses”: Olivia Colman & Benedict Cumberbatch Shine in Darkly Humorous Marital Meltdown

The highly anticipated new film “The Roses,” a modern reimagining of the classic 1989 dark comedy “The War of the Roses,” has arrived in cinemas, starring acclaimed British actors Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as a couple whose seemingly idyllic marriage succumbs to ambition, resentment, and escalating conflict. Directed by Jay Roach and penned by Tony McNamara, the film is being met with a spectrum of critical opinions, largely praising the central performances for their “relentlessly entertaining” energy while noting a tonal balancing act that doesn’t always land perfectly.

A Modern Take on Marital Discord

Based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel, “The Roses” updates the story for the 21st century, charting the disintegration of the marriage between Ivy and Theo Rose. In this iteration, Ivy (Colman) is an ambitious chef, and Theo (Cumberbatch) is a successful architect. Their initial meeting in a London restaurant kitchen is portrayed with a spark that hints at the passion that will drive their union, and eventual separation. As their careers diverge—Theo’s suffers a public downfall following a building collapse, while Ivy’s culinary ventures begin to soar—the power dynamics shift, sowing the seeds of discord. The screenplay by Tony McNamara, known for his sharp dialogue in “The Favourite” and “Poor Things,” injects a contemporary sensibility, exploring themes of ambition, societal pressures, and the corrosive nature of unspoken resentments.

Colman and Cumberbatch: A Chemistry-Fueled Duel

Central to “The Roses” is the palpable chemistry between Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who, despite being longtime friends, are sharing the screen together for the first time. Reviewers consistently highlight their dynamic, describing their performances as a masterclass in navigating the film’s blend of biting wit and emotional turmoil. “Colman and Cumberbatch are acting black-belts,” notes one review, “and they are never anything other than watchable”. Their ability to transition from affectionate banter to savage insults is lauded, with Colman often singled out for her particular skill in delivering “devastating and regal” insults. Cumberbatch, in turn, is praised for leaning into Theo’s self-pity and pomposity. The film works best when it allows these two titans of acting to spar verbally, creating moments that are both darkly humorous and surprisingly poignant.

McNamara’s Sharp Pen and Roach’s Direction

Tony McNamara’s script is praised for its clever, often cutting, dialogue and its ability to tether “the extremes of desire and disgust so closely together”. The film doesn’t shy away from the ugliness that can fester in long-term relationships, with McNamara skillfully balancing the farcical with believable character motivations. However, some movie reviews suggest that director Jay Roach, while capable of handling comedy, struggles to fully commit to the film’s darker, more satirical edge. While the original “War of the Roses” was known for its operatic absurdity and escalating violence, this new adaptation, according to some critiques, pulls its punches, opting for a tone that is “achingly middle-of-the-road” or “toothless” in its dissection of societal excess. The film aims for a realistic portrayal of a failing marriage, which sometimes dilutes the black comedy inherent in the premise.

Themes and Critical Reception

“The Roses” delves into the complexities of modern marriage, examining how career aspirations, ego, and a failure to communicate can erode even the strongest bonds. The film posits that couples are often “entirely aware of the pitfalls and still drive into them headfirst”. While the performances are universally applauded, the overall critical reception is mixed. Some critics appreciate the film’s ability to be “funny, but surprisingly touching too”, highlighting its exploration of relationship fragility and the effort required to sustain a marriage. Others find it to be “mostly a lighthearted, sometimes touching account” but lacking the “fiery romantic connection” that fueled the original, or note that it “lingers in the middle, a gently diverting marital tale that struggles to justify the return to familiar material”. The supporting cast, featuring talents like Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon, is generally seen as underutilized, with Allison Janney receiving particular praise for her scene-stealing cameo as a divorce lawyer.

In conclusion, “The Roses” offers a compelling showcase for Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, whose combined charisma and talent provide ample entertainment. While it may not fully recapture the savage bite of its predecessor, Tony McNamara’s script and the lead actors’ commitment make it a noteworthy addition to the landscape of contemporary relationship comedies, offering a darkly humorous, if sometimes uneven, examination of love, ambition, and the inevitable thorns within every rose.