You know, I get really scared when a movie I absolutely love gets a remake. But when it’s done well, I’m here for it. And that’s what you get with the brand new film, The Roses. It’s based on the 1989 classic, War of the Roses, which itself was based on the 1981 book of the same name. Directed by the brilliant Jay Roach (known for comedies like Austin Powers and Meet the Parents), this film is a fantastic and fresh take.
The story follows Theo and Ivy, played by the incredibly talented Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. They meet and fall in love in the UK, get married, and then move to Northern California with their two children. They’re living a happy life, but then something tragic happens: Theo’s career totally goes in the toilet, and he loses everything. At the same time, Ivy’s career begins to flourish and she takes off. The roles get reversed, and when you have that in any relationship, you get resentment, and that’s exactly what takes place.
The dynamic turns on a dime, and they start fighting like cats and dogs. The amazing comedic timing that follows is what sets this film apart from the original. The writing, penned by Tony McNamara (the Oscar-nominated writer of The Favourite and Poor Things), has this much more British comedic voice, and I love that they leaned into that dynamic. They didn’t just try to recreate the original film, and I’m so glad for it. The witty one-liners and the sharp comedy are brilliant.
When you have someone like Benedict and Olivia delivering those one-liners, it is pure magic. Andy Samberg is also great in the film, but I could have gone without Kate McKinnon’s character. I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand who she was.
I’m giving The Roses a solid three and a half out of five stars. I’m giving it that extra half-star just because of Benedict’s performance, because it’s that good. It’s a must-see. Go check it out now in theaters.
