The Verdict
"The Roses' blend of broad comedy and dark satire makes for an uneasy marriage, although watching Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch trade barbs is a treat onto itself."
"Cumberbatch and Colman’s acerbic marital war inThe Rosesis both affecting and hilarious, and while the film occasionally strains credulity, their performances elevate the adapted material to notable new heights."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Roses is a visionary Comedy, Drama film directed by the acclaimed Jay Roach (Adam Ackland). Released in theaters on Aug 29, 2025, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by SunnyMarch and distributed by Searchlight Pictures, the film features a runtime of 1h 45m.
The story follows life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing -- as Theo's career nosedives while Ivy's own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler. Leading the cast are star performers Jay Roach, Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R for Language Throughout|Drug Content|Sexual Content, The Roses delivers a audio experience presented in a Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "The Roses' blend of broad comedy and dark satire makes for an uneasy marriage, although watching Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch trade barbs is a treat onto itself."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"Colman and Cumberbatch are sublimely well matched. We adore them as a couple almost as much as we enjoy them as the bitterest of foes."
"The dazzling script is thespian heaven for the stars, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who put a wicked British spin on this remake of Danny DeVito’s 1989 movie The War of the Roses..."
"The pacing switches too suddenly between vigor and slackness, leaving the film without the propulsion its absurd premise demands, causing the conflict to drag on."
"The Roses won’t change anybody’s life, but Colman and Cumberbatch stir up enough comedy to make it a worthy diversion."
"They're certainly pushing the envelope on 'till death do us part," as literal murder attempts unravel and inevitably come crashing down in a bombastically overcrowded yet bemusingly entertaining final act."
"As much as I usually like Colman and Cumberbatch, sadistic sight gags do not make for a successful comedy, even one involving a battle of the sexes. The movie runs only 105 minutes, but it feels much longer. “The Roses” wilts before your very eyes."
Audience Reviews
doctor strange hits again. this was a hilarious 🤣🤣🤣 movie laughed super hard n the theaters when I saw this
Interesting movie. Nice scenery.
As a movie inspired by the book War of the Roses, it has similarities to the 1989 movie War of the Roses. This adaptation was not a total disappointment.. Starting Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, there were moments where you felt the love and the strain in the relationship. It is inevitable that if you remember the original, a comparison will be made, but truthfully this updated version will stand on its own. The audience laughed, groaned, and had periods of eye rolling disbelief over the antics of the characters. All in all it was a good movie and an contemporary interpretation filled with strife, family drama, selfishness, but also love.
This was a very funny and witty movie -- written for literate adults and starring two GREAT British actors who deliver their lines with perfect timing and comic effect. The main and supporting characters are all going through relationship problems but Theo and Ivy, the main characters, are locked together and also driven apart by their egos, dreams, and jealousies, all of which combine to make this one of the funniest and best movies I've seen over the last year!
Good acting and dramedy.
Crazy, fun, unexpected ending!!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Roses released?
The Roses hit theaters on Aug 29, 2025, Wide. It became available for streaming on Oct 21, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 45m. It falls under the Comedy, Drama genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of The Roses?
The movie is directed by Jay Roach. The script was penned by Tony McNamara.
Who are the main actors in The Roses?
The top billed cast includes:
- Jay Roach as Director
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose
- Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose
- Andy Samberg as Barry
- Allison Janney as Amy
Why is The Roses rated R?
It is rated R (Language Throughout|Drug Content|Sexual Content)
Which studio produced the movie?
The Roses was produced by SunnyMarch and distributed worldwide by Searchlight Pictures.
About the movie
NEWLife seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing -- as Theo's career nosedives while Ivy's own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler.
- Director
- Jay Roach
- Producers
- Adam Ackland, Tom Carver, Leah Clarke, Michelle Graham, Jay Roach, Ed Sinclair
- Screenwriter
- Tony McNamara
- Distributor
- Searchlight Pictures
- Production
- SunnyMarch
- Genre
- Comedy, Drama
- Release Date
- Aug 29, 2025, Wide
- Run Time
- 1h 45m
- Rating
- R
- Aspect Ratio
- Flat (1.85:1)