The Roses Review: The satirical black comedy film, directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, is gaining hype from fans worldwide. It is a sharp, witty, and brutally honest reimagining of Warren Adler’s classic novel “The War of the Roses,” much different and less dark than the 1989 adaptation by Danny DeVito. This version focuses less on destruction and is more about the slow unravelling of a relationship. Today, in this The Roses Review, we will cover everything that you need to know.
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The Roses Movie Overview
- Baap of Movies Rating: 4/5
- Director: Jay Roach
- Writer: Warren Adler (Author of the Novel)
- Cast: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch and others
The Roses Story
The Roses’ storyline revolves around Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Olivia Colman), who are shown as a perfect couple whose love story begins with passion and ambition. The couple has now moved to California, and they are building a life together with their children, Roy (Wells Rappaport) and Hattie (Delaney Quinn).

Initially, their marriage flourishes. Theo is a supportive man, as he supports Ivy’s dream of opening a restaurant while pursuing his career in architecture. However, one failed project acts as a wild strike on Theo’s ambitions, and he has now become a stay-at-home father. Meanwhile, Ivy’s growing culinary success has created an unspoken imbalance between them.
The Roses Review: What Makes it Stand Out
The Roses has received a lot of appreciation from the fans and the viewers because it is very different from traditional divorce dramas. The Roses takes us to the emotional neglect, suppressed insecurities, and unspoken resentments naturally. McNamara, with the effortless writing, keeps the conflicts grounded and believable rather than melodramatic.
The film also introduces parallel couples where we see Barry (Andy Samberg) and Amy (Kate McKinnon), as well as Rory (Jamie Demetriou) and Sally (Zoë Chao). Their struggles show us the different shades of the Roses’ dysfunction. This movie tells us that no relationship is truly perfect and emphasizes that unresolved insecurities can slowly lead to big, unwanted outcomes.
Performances That Elevate the Drama
Cumberbatch shone with his brilliant performance as he portrayed Theo as both charming and fragile. He is brilliant with his attempts to hide his failures behind humor and make his emotional breakdowns all the more powerful. Olivia Colman has brought an unrelenting intensity to Ivy as she shows the perfect balance between ambition and quiet vulnerability. Together, they create a relationship that feels heartbreakingly real.
The supporting actors were nothing less. Samberg and McKinnon bring bursts as they break the tension at key moments. Demetriou and Chao play the crucial role of amplifying the couple’s insecurities.
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Cinematic Strengths and Direction

The Roses is a cinematic masterpiece. It is set in sunny coastal California, and the film uses its bright aesthetic to contrast the bitterness simmering beneath the surface. Jay Roach’s direction will come as the major highlight of The Roses as he blends dark humor and emotional realism. He ensured the movie never feels overly heavy despite its painful themes.
McNamara’s screenplay puts the major focus on reconciliation rather than immediate destruction. The intense divorce battle in the film’s climax builds toward a finale that is as heartbreaking as it is inevitable.
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Baap of Movies’ Final Verdict
All in all, The Roses isn’t just another divorce drama, but it’s an introspective exploration of modern drama. It shows us how unspoken insecurities, lack of communication, and buried resentment can spoil any relationship. The film is loaded with outstanding performances, and this adaptation is likely to stand out as one of 2025’s must-watch films.
Perfect for you if you are looking for a fresh perspective on the modern relationship and divorce.
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