The Roses

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a picture-perfect marriage starts to unravel in the most chaotic, hilarious, and painfully relatable ways, The Roses might just be your next must-watch. This satirical black comedy, directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, reimagines the 1989 film and the original 1981 novel The War of the Roses. With Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman leading the charge as Theo and Ivy, a seemingly flawless couple whose relationship spirals into a full-blown war, the film dives deep into the messy side of love, ambition, and resentment.

Set over more than a decade, the story follows Theo, an architect, and Ivy, an aspiring chef, as they build a life together in California. At first, everything looks like a dream—successful careers, adorable twins, and a beautiful home. But when Theo’s career hits the rocks and Ivy’s restaurant takes off, the balance of power shifts, and things get ugly. What starts as a few passive-aggressive jabs quickly escalates into an all-out domestic battlefield, complete with sabotage, emotional warfare, and a smart home system that might just be the final straw.

The Roses is packed with biting humor and sharp performances. Cumberbatch and Colman are a delight to watch as they trade insults and navigate the emotional minefield of a crumbling marriage. The supporting cast, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Allison Janney, adds even more comedic flair to the chaos.

This movie is definitely for fans of dark comedies and relationship dramas with a satirical edge. If you enjoyed films like Marriage Story but wished it had more absurdity and less crying, this might hit the sweet spot. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a feel-good romance or a straightforward comedy, this one might feel a bit too sharp around the edges.

Critics had mixed feelings—some loved the performances and the dark humor, while others felt the satire didn’t quite land. But audiences gave it a solid B+ CinemaScore, suggesting that many found it entertaining, if not entirely comfortable.

At 105 minutes, The Roses is a brisk, biting look at what happens when love turns into rivalry—and how far people will go to win a fight they probably shouldn’t be having in the first place.