The Roses explores the unraveling marriage of Theo and Ivy Rose, a British couple living in California. Outwardly perfect, their lives are riddled with jealousy, pride, and simmering resentment. As Ivy’s career as a chef takes off and Theo’s architectural career falters, their home becomes a battlefield where witty banter turns into weaponized words and emotional warfare. What starts as a British comedy evolves into a darkly funny, brutally honest look at love falling apart.
Cast and Crew
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Director: Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Bombshell)
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Screenwriter: Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Poor Things)
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Lead Cast: Olivia Colman (Ivy Rose), Benedict Cumberbatch (Theo Rose)
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Supporting Cast: Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa
The film is inspired by Warren Adler’s 1981 novel The War of the Roses, updating it with a British twist.
Performance and Dialogue Highlights
Olivia Colman shines as Ivy, evolving from charming homemaker to ferocious restaurateur, while Benedict Cumberbatch’s Theo oscillates between cocky and wounded narcissist. Tony McNamara’s dialogue is sharp, witty, and theatrical, turning British politeness into a weaponized form of argument. While some of the prolonged verbal sparring loses energy mid-film, quieter emotional moments land deeply.
Supporting Cast and Visuals
Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg bring chaos and lightness to balance tension, while Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa depict Ivy’s evolving world. Jay Roach uses controlled framing to highlight the contrast between sunny exteriors and shadowed interiors, turning kitchens and dining tables into stages for psychological warfare.
Fan and Critical Reception
Audiences are loving the film, praising its sharp writing, unforgettable performances, and darkly humorous take on modern relationships. Olivia and Benedict’s chemistry, in particular, has been singled out as a highlight.
