No relationship is perfect, and we never really know what is bubbling just under the surface and behind closed doors. The Roses, brings back to the screen a picture perfect relationship that just might not be what it seems. From family drama, to career wins and failures – there’s a lot to unpack with this movie.
The Roses is loosely based on the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, which was based on the novel by Warren Adler. Following the love story of Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Olivia Colman), a chef and an architect who seem to have the perfect relationship and marriage – until life throws them a curveball. Unlike the 1989 adaptation of the story, The Roses focuses most of the 1 hour 45 run time on the build up of their relationship. from how the couple met, to them having children, the career goals and successes for both of them, and the ultimate failures along the way. Everything seems idyllic, until it isn’t.
The updates for this version of the story – a focus on traditional and non-traditional parental roles, the result of toxic masculinity and patriarchal ideas on both Ivy and Theo’s career choices and trajectory. The success of both professionals, the need they both have for validation in their professional lives as well as at home. And most of all, the break down of communication between a couple over the years and what it ultimately can do their lives and relationships to everyone around them.
Both Cumberbatch and Colman take these roles on showing a wide range of ability along the way. From vulnerability, ego driven narcissism and even touches of comedy as well. And when the relationship comes to its inevitable head and the real battle between the couple happens – the actors head into overdrive with the physical fighting along the way. In a fight scene that is similar to that towards the end of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the Roses fight brings out all of their anger and frustrations on them as well as their house.
This adaptation isn’t a rehash of the one from the 80’s, so if that is what you’re going into the theater for, you may need to adjust your expectations. But it does bring to the screen some hard hitting actors who fully embraced the roles and look like they’re having fun along the way. Although there are a few supporting actors that almost kill the vibe of the movie and scenes whenever they are in them, overall the movie is a lot of fun and a nice change of pace compared to a lot of other movies hitting the screen this summer.
The Roses will be in theaters everywhere August 29th.
Overall Rating
About 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. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler.