The Roses Review: Cumberbatch and Colman’s Star Power Wasted on a Forgettable Marriage War

A new high-profile film about a crumbling marriage has been released. The Roses stars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. The movie is a reimagining of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel. It is directed by Jay Roach. Critics say the film fails to live up to its potential.

The story follows a couple’s toxic divorce battle. Initial passion turns into bitter resentment. Despite its talented cast, the film has received mixed reviews. Many feel it lacks the bite of the original 1989 adaptation.

The Roses Movie Fails to Capitalize on Its A-List Cast

Theo and Ivy Rose begin their marriage full of love. He is a celebrated architect. She is a gifted chef. Their life seems perfect at first. Then, domestic duties and career shifts create tension.

Theo’s professional life suddenly collapses. Meanwhile, Ivy’s culinary empire begins to rise. This reversal of fortune destroys their relationship. Petty disagreements quickly turn into brutal confrontations.

According to reviews, the film’s pacing is a significant issue. The first hour is mostly setup. This delays the promised marital war. By the time the real action starts, the energy is gone.

Glossy Production Cannot Save The Roses’ Watered-Down Script

The movie looks beautiful. The Northern California setting is polished and elegant. This visual sheen contrasts with the story’s ugly divorce. However, the script does not match the visuals.

The 1989 film was known for its savage comedy. This new version pulls its punches. The humor works sometimes. But the story lacks real viciousness.

The perspective is also unbalanced. It glosses over Ivy’s decade of sacrifice. It focuses more on Theo’s fall from grace. This tips audience sympathy too much in one direction. The scales of their conflict never feel even.

Despite strong performances from its leads, The Roses is ultimately a letdown. The film is too hesitant to embrace the dark comedy of divorce. It ends up feeling like a polite disagreement instead of a full-scale war.

Info at your fingertips

What is The Roses movie about?

It is about a married couple’s bitter divorce. Theo is a fallen architect. Ivy is a rising chef. Their crumbling marriage leads to a toxic war.

Who stars in The Roses film?

Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch play the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Andy Samberg and Alison Janney.

Is The Roses a sequel or remake?

It is a new adaptation of the same 1981 novel. That novel inspired the 1989 movie The War of the Roses.

How are critics rating The Roses?

Reviews are largely mixed. Many praise the lead actors’ performances. But most criticize the film’s weak script and slow pacing.

Who directed The Roses?

Jay Roach directed the movie. He is known for comedies like the Austin Powers series and more dramatic films like Bombshell.