Anyone expecting a romcom should probably skip The Roses. This dark comedy, offering a biting look at a failing marriage, does not fall into that genre. Despite an occasionally implausible script, The Roses is an entertaining two hours, largely thanks to the strong performances of Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Ivy and Theo have been married for years. When the family dynamic changes, tensions arise. Theo loses his job and spends more time at home with the children, while Ivy opens her own restaurant and, following a positive review, expands it into a chain. The family life, which had always revolved around breadwinner Theo and stay-at-home mum Ivy, is suddenly turned upside down. Frustrations quickly mount, and even friends do not emerge unscathed during a dinner. How far will Theo and Ivy go in their arguments?
Direction and style
The direction of The Roses clearly prioritises comedy over drama, which is evident throughout. The scenes are well-paced, and the actors’ comic timing is used to maximum effect. Particularly in the clashes between Ivy and Theo, there are sharp, biting moments that feel almost theatrical. That some jokes do not entirely land is more down to the occasionally flat script than to the direction or the actors.
Visually, the film remains understated, with a muted colour palette that keeps the domestic setting realistic. The calm camera work focuses entirely on the characters’ interactions. The pacing could have been slightly tighter in places, but the intimate confrontations are effectively staged. The arguments at the dining table and in the kitchen are painfully funny and uncomfortably awkward in equal measure.
Flat and implausible script
Challenging marriages and divorces are a credible theme, yet the script sometimes feels implausible. The characters played by Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and the children are the least convincing. Samberg manages to navigate the irritation well, but McKinnon and the children fall short, making some scenes less believable and occasionally borderline annoying.
A supporting role that deserved more attention is Allison Janney’s. In her single scene, she steals the show. The confrontation between the experienced divorce lawyer (Janney) and the uncertain property lawyer (Samberg) is both well-written and brilliantly performed, a highlight that could have been explored further.
The Roses remains entertaining thanks to Colman and Cumberbatch
Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch show in The Roses why they are among the absolute top of their generation. Colman’s comic talent, previously seen in her role as Godmother in Fleabag, is beautifully showcased once again. Cumberbatch, usually known for dramatic roles or as superhero (Doctor Strange), demonstrates that he can also shine effortlessly in comedic scenes. Together, they elevate the film above its script, making every scene they share worth watching.
Although the story is occasionally implausible, The Roses remains an enjoyable film thanks to the chemistry, timing, and class of Colman and Cumberbatch. For anyone who enjoys sharp dialogue and subtle dark humour, it is certainly recommended.
The Roses (2025)
A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband’s professional dreams come crashing down.
Cast: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and others.
Director: Jay Roach
