Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Explore Marital Struggles
In “The Roses,” now available on Hulu, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch tackle the complexities of marriage, adapting Warren Adler’s 1981 darkly comic novel “War of the Roses.” This story was previously adapted into a rather infamous film in 1989 featuring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, directed by Danny DeVito. The current rendition, helmed by Jay Roach, aims for a polished look while navigating the messy realities of relationships, resulting in a mix of solid and somewhat uneven moments.
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Key points: It’s crucial to note that much of the film doesn’t delve deeply into marital conflict. The opening scene might mislead viewers, presenting Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Colman) going at each other in therapy, where their counselor suggests they’re in over their heads. Fast forward a bit: Theo and Ivy are based in Northern California. Theo is an architect working on a large maritime museum while Ivy transitions from chef to dedicated homemaker, baking delectable cakes for their kids, Hattie and Roy. Remembering their first meeting at a restaurant, there’s a humorous moment involving a walk-in refrigerator, though the details are a bit hazy—let’s just say it was memorable.
Back to the present, Theo and Ivy seem happy. They socialize with their American friends, Barry and Amy, and even enjoy a little time at a shooting range. Theo takes Ivy to a restaurant by the sea, where she cleverly names her seafood creations “We’ve Got Crabs” to keep the workload manageable. A storm hits the museum, and Theo’s drastic reaction goes viral, adding to his career troubles. Ironically, that same night, a food critic praises Ivy’s restaurant, and “We’ve Got Crabs” evolves into a major success.
As things progress, Theo and Ivy decide to reverse roles—he stays home with the kids, while she takes charge of their budding restaurant chain. This arrangement faces challenges when Ivy grows resentful of Theo’s strict parenting. They attempt to reconnect on a trip to New York, which doesn’t go as planned. The film captures their turmoil, leading to a marriage counselor’s intervention and an ambitious home project that feels almost doomed. By the time their stunning new house is complete with ocean views, their relationship hangs by a thread.
Similarities with Other Films
“The Roses” bears similarities to “Marriage Story” and even hints at Looney Tunes-like humor, infused with Roach’s broad comedic style.
Standout Performances: Cumberbatch and Colman bring captivating comic energy, yet McKinnon shines as a quirky, awkward character in Theo’s life.
Content Warning: The film includes some playful banter, which adds to the charm of their relationship.
Final Thoughts
“The Roses” showcases the talented duo navigating through both light-hearted and serious moments. Their exchanges are often playful before reverting to the familiar routines of marital conflict—grievances, passive-aggressiveness, and everything in between. Surprisingly, it’s in their happier moments, filled with affection and understanding, where they truly shine. Some may argue this takes away from the darker intent of the source material, but the chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch does provide an enjoyable experience.
While they can certainly throw some sharp jabs at each other, and Colman has a knack for delivering some colorful language, the film could have benefited from a subtler approach. That said, the heightened conflicts near the film’s conclusion feel somewhat inevitable given the premise. The pairing pulls off plenty of laughs, supported by a well-cast ensemble, including Ncuti Gatwa and Alice Janney.
Our Verdict: “The Roses” might not radically change your outlook, but the comedic sparks from Colman and Cumberbatch make it a worthwhile watch. Streaming it could be a nice way to spend an evening.
