From the opening scene of The Roses, directed by Jay Roach, it’s clear this isn’t your typical romantic comedy. This 2025 reimagining of the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses delivers a fresh, wild take on love gone awry, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman leading the charge as Theo and Ivy Rose. Their electric chemistry and razor-sharp British wit set the stage for a film that’s absolutely hilarious.
The story kicks off with a delightfully prickly meet in a London restaurant, where Theo, a frustrated architect, stumbles into the kitchen of Ivy, an ambitious chef. Their whirlwind romance leads them to America, where they build a seemingly perfect life with two kids and a stunning home. But beneath the glossy facade, resentment brews as Theo’s career tanks just as Ivy’s restaurant empire soars. The script, penned by Tony McNamara, is filled with clever dialogue that’s both vicious and charming, capturing the slow unraveling of their bond. I loved how the film balances the couple’s early passion with their later pettiness, making their descent into chaos feel inevitable and wildly entertaining.
Cumberbatch and Colman are the film’s beating heart, delivering performances that are nothing short of sublime. Colman’s Ivy is a fierce, unapologetic “girlboss” who transforms from a doting wife into a formidable force. Cumberbatch, meanwhile, shines as Theo, a man grappling with his bruised ego, his comedic timing surprisingly spot-on for an actor not typically known for laughs. Their scenes together are a highlight, whether they’re trading passive-aggressive jabs or escalating to full-on sabotage.
The supporting cast adds a fun to the mix, with Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg stealing scenes as the Roses’ quirky neighbors, Amy and Barry. McKinnon, in particular, is a comedic dynamo, her awkward propositions and deadpan delivery sparking some of the film’s biggest laughs.
What makes The Roses so much fun is its refusal to shy away from the messiness of marriage. Unlike the cartoonish slapstick of the 1989 original, this version grounds its humor in relatable truths about jealousy and love. The ending, without giving spoilers, struck me as a perfect fit for the story’s tone—equal parts sweet, tragic, and absurdly funny. The Roses is a devilishly hilarious ride that I absolutely loved. It’s a film that thrives on its leads’ chemistry, sharp writing, and Roach’s knack for comedy. If you’re in the mood for a comedy that’s as fun as it is fierce, The Roses is an absolute must-see.
The Roses arrives at Luna Palace Cinemas Thursday, Sep 4, 2025.
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