The Roses review: The ‘war’ that runs out of steam

Updated On: 30 August, 2025 01:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Johnson Thomas

Despite a witty script by Tony McNamara and moments of sharp repartee, the film struggles to capture the volatile chemistry and fiery passion that made the original iconic

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A still from The Roses

Film: The Roses
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoe Chao
Director: Jay Roach
Rating: 3.5/5
Runtime: 105 min

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are among the most gifted actors of their generation, so when they come together in a film you expect to see sparks flying all around. The intent is there in the story of a warring couple whose supposed ideal life is hiding a storm of fierce competition and resentment but there’s really no chemistry between the actors to turn this into a memorable conflagration.

‘The Roses’, a modern take on the howlarious, dark, money spinner, Danny DeVito’s ‘The War of the Roses’ starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, which was based on Warren Adler’s novel, has a funny script by Tony McNamara, but the comedy doesn’t quite come alive on film. The iconic film that released 36 years ago might feel dated but the fire and brimstone performances and the fiery spell it managed to cast on the audience can never be forgotten. This new one is another matter altogether.

Director Jay Roach tries to lend fresh perspective to the anti-romance spiel of warring vitriol between opposite genders. Seemingly well-matched life partners Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch), a picture-perfect couple with successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids, after a power shift in their equation, find themselves trying to kill each other. It’s the classic matrimony to acrimony tale that takes us through a fairly witty incendiary matrimonial dispute that devolves into murderous intent.

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