In the captivating film "The Roses," we are introduced to Ivy and Theo, a seemingly perfect couple whose lives appear to be a dream come true. Portrayed by the talented Olivia Colman and the acclaimed Benedict Cumberbatch, Ivy and Theo navigate their successful careers while raising a wonderful family and enjoying an enviable romantic relationship. Their lives are a picturesque representation of love and achievement, captivating the admiration of those around them. However, the veneer of their idyllic existence conceals deeper currents of competition and underlying resentments that threaten to unravel their seemingly perfect world.
As the story unfolds, we witness the precarious balance that Ivy and Theo maintain begins to teeter when Theo’s professional aspirations take an unexpected downturn. This pivotal moment serves as a catalyst, bringing to light the silent struggles and unspoken tensions that have been simmering beneath the surface for years. Ivy, who has always been the supportive partner, finds herself grappling with feelings of frustration and jealousy as she confronts her husband's failures, while Theo, a once-celebrated professional, struggles with his own sense of identity and the fear of disappointing his family. Their relationship is put to the test as they navigate this challenging period, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and the impact their ambitions have had on their marriage.
"The Roses" deftly explores the complexities of modern relationships, showcasing how success and failure intertwine to reveal the intricacies of love and the challenges of maintaining a partnership in the face of adversity. The film invites viewers on an emotional journey, presenting a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows that come with building a life together. With exceptional performances by Colman and Cumberbatch, the movie promises to resonate with anyone who has experienced the delicate balance of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the pressures of modern life.
Critics' Reviews
60
Perhaps because of Colman’s innate warmth and Cumberbatch’s ability to be self-deprecating, it’s never quite as venomous as the original, but it does still manage to mix some shocks into its humour. The fact that the pair are British ex-pats among the clean-living, hyper-PC liberals of California allows for some lovely creative cursing in Tony McNamara’s script and a nice fish-out-of-water element. Still, for all the verbal and physical violence and cynicism along the way, there’s a bleak, twisted romance to the finale that survives here. This is really a positive admonition to keep a tight hold of whatever love you once had, remember why you’re together, and keep the lines of communication in your relationship open. The alternative could be fatal.
50
"The Roses," about the disintegration of a marriage, can’t accurately be described as a black comedy because it’s afraid to get too dark. You can almost imagine the director, Jay Roach, looking out at the audience with one hand on a huge dial that reads “LIKABILITY” and turning it up as needed, to ensure that his main characters never seem irredeemable. But what’s the point of making another adaptation of Warren Adler’s novel “The War of the Roses” if you’re not going to try to match or exceed the audacious 1989 film version? It wouldn’t be fair to compare this effort to Danny DeVito‘s at too great a length, because it isn’t a remake but another version. Let’s just say that it’s not a great one. DeVito’s film is rightly beloved by connoisseurs of razor-wire comedy that bloodies everybody, including the viewer, and it stays true to itself all the way to its spectacular and ghastly ending. This one only plays nasty, and it is dogged throughout by an issue that rarely afflicts stories about failing marriages: the lead actors have such chemistry, both physical and comedic, that you can’t believe they’d let the sun set on an argument.
Full Cast of The Roses
Benedict Cumberbatch
Theo
Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch might enjoy his role in 'The Roses' as it showcases a different facet of his versatile acting skills compared to his most iconic performance as
Sherlock Holmes in 'Sherlock'. While Sherlock's character is marked by sharp intellect and detachment, his role in 'The Roses' reveals a more emotionally nuanced and vulnerable side, allowing audiences to see his depth beyond the cerebral brilliance. An interesting detail about his character in 'The Roses' is that Cumberbatch performed most of his own stunts, which added authenticity to the intense, physical moments that contrast with the typically dialogue-driven intensity seen in Sherlock.
Olivia Colman
Ivy Rose
Olivia Colman's involvement in the movie 'The Roses' was widely praised for its depth and authenticity. Her performance was celebrated for its emotional range and nuanced portrayal, setting the film apart with a unique blend of strength and vulnerability. One behind-the-scenes story that fans find fascinating is that Colman improvised a poignant monologue in one of the key scenes, which was so powerful that the director decided to keep it in the final cut, adding an unexpected layer of intimacy to her character.
Ncuti Gatwa
Jeffrey
Zoë Chao
Sally
Jamie Demetriou
Rory
Belinda Bromilow
Janice
Akie Kotabe
Alan
Hala Finley
Hattie Rose - Older
Robin Atkin Downes
Boss
Matt Corboy
HAL (voice)
Allison Janney
Eleanor
Crew of The Roses
Full backstage crew list →