Review by Jon Donnis
Jay Roach's The Roses is a sharp, 2025 reimagining of Warren Adler's novel and a remake of the 1989 film. At its centre are Theo and Ivy Rose, played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, whose picture-perfect marriage slowly unravels. The film trades in domestic chaos, escalating cruelty, and the bitter humour that comes from watching a couple dismantle each other's lives.
Where it really works is in the performances. Cumberbatch and Colman are magnetic, effortlessly balancing humour and menace. Watching them go to extremes to torment each other is both shocking and strangely charming. The chemistry between them makes the first two-thirds of the film a delight, as their playful banter and petty battles over parenting and career jealousy feel very real. There are genuinely funny moments sprinkled throughout, and the film nails the absurdity of modern marriage with surprising precision. Divorce has rarely looked so entertaining.
The humour lands well, especially in the domestic squabbles that feel familiar to anyone with kids or a busy household. Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as friends add light, unpredictable moments that break up the tension without ever feeling over the top. These scenes balance the chaos with everyday reality, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
But the film is not without flaws. By softening its comedy as not to offend the woke crowd, it loses some of the bite that made the original so memorable. Moments of nastiness feel restrained, and the escalation of cruelty, while entertaining, never fully shocks or surprises. It is entertaining, but it does not linger. Compared with the 1989 film, it is simply not as daring or memorable. The storyline sometimes feels safe, even when the plot allows for darker comedy.
Despite these limitations, The Roses is a solid one-time watch. It provides enough laughs to justify sitting through it, thanks largely to the leads' strong performances. It balances the ridiculous with the relatable, making the central relationship fascinating even at its most vicious. The movie knows when to be chaotic and when to be tender, but it never fully commits to the darker satire it hints at.
The Roses delivers on performance and comedy but plays it safe with the dark humour. A decent watch, enjoyable and entertaining, but unlikely to stay with you after the credits roll. I score The Roses 7 out of 10.
Out Now on Apple TV
