In theaters on August 29th is ‘The Roses’, the new adaptation of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel about a married couple whose relationship descends into frustration, deception and all-out war.
gYowhhbwulGbbMOuXsuVB3Directed by Jay Roach (‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’), the new dark comedy stars Benedict Cumberbatch (‘Doctor Strange’), Olivia Colman (‘The Favourite’), Kate McKinnon (‘Saturday Night Live’), Andy Samberg (‘Hot Rod’), Ncuti Gatwa (‘Barbie’) and Allison Janney (‘The Help’).
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Initial Thoughts
Warren Adler’s novel about a marriage whose passion curdles into bitterness, jealousy and regret has been adapted once before, by Danny DeVito, who reunited ‘Romancing the Stone’ pair Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner for ‘The War of the Roses’, a pitch-dark comedy drama fueled by their existing dynamic.
Jay Roach and ‘The Favourite’s writer Tony McNamara go a different route for ‘The Roses’, which for much of its running time is a portrait of a seemingly blissful couple whose public façade hides simmering resentments, but is more cold war until it truly ignites in the third act.
Script and Direction
McNamara has long shown a talent for writing believably toxic relationships with enough of a farcical edge to keep it all from being too brutal –– except when it needs to be. His screenplay for ‘The Roses’ is the perfect fodder for two British stars (American audiences may sometimes react the way their marriage counsellor does in the first scene, taken aback by the sheer comic vitriol on display) to trade barbs like consummate pros.
And Roach, who has blended comedy and drama to winning effect (but also knows how to make farce serve story), was a solid choice to make this, keeping out of the cast’s way and working with them to develop the dynamics in very funny, sharp ways.
While you do sometimes wonder whether the film would have been better set in the UK, the disconnect between the leads and their American friends/co-workers does add some spice to the story.
Cast and Performances
This one really works because of its firecracker central pair; Cumberbatch and Colman may not totally convince as a couple deep in the throes of love and family, but when it comes to subversive, scathing dialogue, they are experts.
As Cumberbatch’s character sees his professional architect career (and ego) crumble even as his wife’s chef ambitions flourish, they craft excellent performances, bouncing off one another.
There is a deep bench of comedy performers backing them up, but the standouts here are certainly Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as Amy and Barry, friends of the couple whose own marriage has seen better days. Credit also to Allison Janney, who pops up for one scene as Colman’s ruthless divorce lawyer, stealing every moment she’s on screen.
Final Thoughts
‘The Roses’ may be more a skirmish than a war, but it is also a reboot that justifies its existence with a very different type of caustic relationship clash and superlative performances from its leads.
It may not always be a feel-good movie, but that’s not the intent. And it’ll certainly make you laugh.
‘The Roses’ receives a score of 80 out of 100.
What’s the story of ‘The Roses’?
Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids.
But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing –– as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites.
Who is in the cast of ‘The Roses’?
- Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose
- Kate McKinnon as Amy
- Andy Samberg as Barry
- Ncuti Gatwa as Jeffrey
- Allison Janney as Eleanor
- Zoë Chao as Sally
- Sunita Mani as Jane
Other Movies Similar to ‘The Roses’:
- ‘Romancing the Stone‘ (1984)
- ‘Heartburn‘ (1986)
- ‘Ruthless People‘ (1986)
- ‘The Witches of Eastwick‘ (1987)
- ‘The War of the Roses‘ (1989)
- ‘She-Devil‘ (1989)
- ‘I Love You to Death‘ (1990)
- ‘Death Becomes Her‘ (1992)
- ‘Serial Mom‘ (1994)
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