The Roses Trailer, Fun Facts & Review

The Roses Synopsis:

Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) are a seemingly perfect couple who appear to have it all: successful careers, a loving marriage, and wonderful children. However, beneath this picture-perfect marriage lies a profoundly rooted tension and intense competition. As Theo's career starts to decline and Ivy's professional goals begin to take off, this imbalance sparks a volatile mix of unspoken animosity and rivalry. What initially appears to be a perfect partnership transforms into an extreme and hostile conflict as their marriage falls apart and their material possessions become the center point of their increasingly harmful divorce.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Release Date: In theaters August 29th, 2025

The Roses Fun Facts:

A Star-Studded Pairing:
The movie features two well-known actors, Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Theo Rose and Olivia Colman playing Ivy Rose, as the seemingly perfect couple whose marriage spirals into a comical and extreme hostile conflict.

First On-Screen Pairing:
Even though both actors are extremely successful in their individual careers, this movie marks the first time Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman worked together on the big screen.

From "Austin Powers" to Domestic Warfare:
The movie is directed by Jay Roach, who is well known for directing comedy series including "Austin Powers," "Meet the Parents," "Borat," and "Bruno."

Award-Winning Screenwriter:
The screenplay is written by Tony McNamara, who is known for his witty and sometimes dark comedic style in movies such as "The Favourite" and "Poor Things."

2025 Version No Narrator:
In contrast to the original, which had Danny DeVito's character as an attorney telling the Roses' story as a warning, the 2025 version removes that setup and allows the movie to unfold in real time, immersing viewers right into the turmoil.

New Location, New Flavor:
The location of "The Roses" has moved from Washington, D.C., to the coast of California, and the pair are British immigrants, which introduces an added layer of cultural conflict into their already troubling relationship.

Expanded Cast:
While the original focused mainly on the two lead characters, "The Roses" showcases a wider group of characters, featuring Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Allison Janney, which introduces additional stress to the failing marriage.

Source: youtube

The Roses Review:

Jay Roach's The Roses marks a refreshing comeback to the brutal, dark humor found in its original source, Warren Adler's book The War of the Roses. Instead of being a simple remake of the 1989 movie, this version skillfully combines the sharp humor from screenwriter Tony McNamara with the incredible performances of its two main leads, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who are captivating as the couple caught in the chaos.

The movie presents Ivy (Colman), a talented chef, and Theo (Cumberbatch), a gifted architect, who appear to be living a perfect life. Nevertheless, their seemingly perfect world is upended when Theo's job takes a nosedive, just as Ivy's career starts to rise. This switch in their fortunes ignites a buildup of hidden anger and subtle insults that swiftly erupt into an all-out conflict. Their beautiful home transforms into a battleground, with both partners using various tactics, from manipulation to emotional sabotage, to come out on top.

Colman and Cumberbatch are ideally cast for their roles, giving performances that are incredibly relatable yet shockingly harsh. The connection they share on screen is intense, which makes the transition from a caring relationship to a nasty conflict even more heart-wrenching and convincing. They are supported by a talented supporting cast, featuring Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as friends caught in the conflict and Allison Janney as a powerful divorce attorney. The script, written by McNamara, is clever and packed with the sharp wit that he is known for.

The movie does not shy away from the harsh realities of its theme but instead discovers humor in the most surprising moments. The ability of the cast and crew to create a movie about such a difficult topic that remains engaging and enjoyable is impressive. The Roses offers an insightful and honest examination of how love can turn into bitterness, making it essential viewing for those who enjoy a comedy with a dark and complex theme.