In 1989, Danny DeVito delivered a brutally funny dark comedy with The War of the Roses, adapted from Warren Adler’s novel. Now, 36 years later, Searchlight Pictures revives the story with a modern twist in The Roses, directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents) and written by Tony McNamara (Poor Things, The Great).
This reimagination stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose and Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose, stepping into roles once played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The result is a witty, biting, and modern take on marital warfare that explores ambition, failure, and the fragile balance of love and rivalry.
Modern Marriage Under the Microscope
The film begins with Theo and Ivy in marriage counseling, exchanging sharp verbal blows as the therapist declares their union beyond repair. From there, the story rewinds to explore their journey through marriage, parenthood, and shifting career fortunes.
Theo, a celebrated architect, designs a showpiece topped with an actual ship — until disaster strikes and ruins both his building and his career. Meanwhile, Ivy transforms her humble crab cake recipe into a booming restaurant empire, sparking tensions as her rise coincides with Theo’s downfall.
This inversion of fortunes turns their partnership toxic, leading to divorce proceedings where ambition, resentment, and ego collide.
The Final Showdown
For the last 20 minutes, the Roses unleash chaos in a spectacularly staged knock-down marital battle, echoing the savage humor of the original while recontextualizing it for 2025 audiences. Themes of equal ambition, individuality, and career-driven identity add layers to the dark comedy, making it more than just a tale of divorce—it’s a reflection of modern relationships.
Stellar Cast and Performances
The casting is a highlight. Cumberbatch and Colman deliver razor-sharp performances, blending subtlety with explosive energy, reminiscent of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
Adding comic relief are Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as the Roses’ well-meaning friends, while Allison Janney steals scenes as a ruthless divorce lawyer with her menacing service dog.
Visuals and Direction
Production designer Mark Ricker and cinematographer Florian Hoffmeister craft a sleek, modern aesthetic that mirrors the couple’s aspirations and unraveling marriage. Jay Roach’s direction balances sharp comedy with emotional undercurrents, while Tony McNamara’s script delivers biting wit tailored to contemporary audiences.
Movie Details
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Title: The Roses
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Director: Jay Roach
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Screenwriter: Tony McNamara
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Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
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Release Date: August 29, 2025
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Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Belinda Bromilow, Ncuti Gatwa, Sunita Mani, Zoe Chao, Jamie Demetriou
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Rating: R
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Running Time: 1h 45m
