The Roses: A Dark Comedy About Marital Collapse Juiced by British Humour

The Roses is a compelling dark comedy about a couple's descent into marital chaos. Skillfully leveraging British humor, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, starring as Theo and Ivy Rose, engage in a sharp-witted banter, defining their relationship's untangling journey. The film's comedic tone, despite its gloomy theme, is maintained by the lead actors' rapport which keeps the narrative engaging, even when it threatens to veer into bitterness.

The film, described by director Jay Roach as a reimagining rather than a remake, is based more on Warren Adler’s novel, The War of the Roses, than the 1989 film adaptation. It establishes its novel identity with a unique setting, carefully chosen lead actors, and a script that judiciously injects conflict when the couple's career trajectories start to diverge. The distinctively scathing and humorous dialogue is delivered with zest by Cumberbatch and Colman, adding their unique spin.

Roach's The Roses kicks off with a hilarious couples therapy session that vividly unveils the depths of Theo and Ivy's mutual disdain for each other. This scene humorously highlights a crucial aspect of their relationship - their exquisite sense of humor, which has piloted their marriage through both its highs and lows.

The story then jumps back in time to a restaurant kitchen in London, where the architect Theo and aspiring chef Ivy meet. Fast forward ten years and the couple are settled in Mendocino, California with their two kids. The film then delves into the hardships they experience when complications arise in their professional lives.

As Ivy's restaurant business flourishes in the wake of Theo's career hiccup, tensions build, and resentment starts creeping into their relationship. The escalating tension within their crumbling marriage becomes painfully prominent during a dinner party to celebrate the completion of their new house.

Despite minor flaws in the script and a somewhat crowded ensemble, the film stands out for its focus on Theo and Ivy's deteriorating relationship. Cumberbatch and Colman successfully portray a couple capable of intense cruelty towards each other, yet never lose sight of the deep compatibility that initially drew them together, making The Roses a riveting dark comedy about a marital collapse.