The Roses Review: A Slick but Stale Remake with Cumberbatch & Colman
The Roses opens with a sharp and promising therapy scene, setting the stage for a marriage war filled with biting humor and marital tension. With actors like Cumberbatch and Colman at the helm, the film kicks off with promise—and audience intrigue.
But it doesn’t take long for that initial spark to fade. The story soon slips into a lackluster retelling of Theo and Ivy’s marriage—from their romance and career peaks to bitter rivalry. Instead of compelling satire, the narrative devolves into uninspired gags and flat comedic beats that fail to land.
Sharp Cast, Weak Script
Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman bring undeniable star power and clash-ready charisma to the roles of Theo and Ivy. Their performances are hints of what the film could have been. But even their talent can’t lift the material, which is burdened by uninspired writing and underwhelming visuals.
An exclusive clip teases Cumberbatch’s favorite line: “I suppose I do sometimes have dizzying hatred for you.” It’s a sharp gem in an otherwise humor-deprived script.
Modern Marriage Under the Microscope—With Mixed Results
Behind the scenes, both lead actors express meaningful insight into modern couplehood. In interviews, Cumberbatch and Colman discussed how the film reflects today’s realities—balancing ambition, domestic fatigue, and shifting partnership roles. Their reflections add a deeper layer, even if the final cut doesn’t fully tap into it.
Verdict: A Glossy Misfire
- Pros:
Excellent lead performances, initial spark, thematic potential. - Cons:
Script lacking cleverness, stale comedic sequences, uninspired direction, and an anticlimactic finish.
The Roses is visually polished and carries a modern sensibility, but it often lacks emotional or comedic bite. From moments that lean on food fights and cringe humor to missing the visceral, stylish flair of the original, it’s a remake that struggles to justify its existence.
