British Film 'The Roses' Premieres With Modern Take on Marriage

The film The Roses, directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, is a contemporary reimagining of the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses, itself based on Warren Adler's 1981 novel. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as Theo and Ivy, a British couple living in the U.S., the story explores the deterioration of their marriage amid professional upheaval—Theo loses his architectural career while Ivy gains fame as a chef. Unlike the original film's focus on divorce, The Roses centers on a marriage strained by jealousy, career shifts, and parenting challenges, capturing the complexity of a relationship where both partners desperately want to stay together but struggle to do so. The film balances sharp, witty dialogue with moments of mordant humor and emotional depth, highlighted by the nuanced performances of the leads, although some critics note the supporting cast is underdeveloped. Roach and McNamara emphasize that The Roses is not a direct remake but rather a fresh take on marriage's challenges in modern life, blending dark comedy with a layered portrayal of love, creativity, and domestic strife.