In the realm of romance and conflict, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch engage in a heated confrontation in the production titled 'The Roses'
In the latest adaptation of Warren Adler's novel, director Jay Roach brings a contemporary twist to the tale of marital collapse with his film, "The Roses."
The movie opens with an imploding couples-therapy scene that turns gratitude lists into barbed attacks, setting the stage for a darkly comic journey. Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch star as Ivy and Theo Rose, a couple whose physical chemistry is all but dead. Despite their failing marriage, audiences seeking sharp dialogue and sensational acting will find "The Roses" worth seeing.
Colman delivers a layered, hysterically funny performance as Ivy Rose, balancing dry humor and quiet fury. Cumberbatch, on the other hand, captures Theo's hurt pride and resentment as Ivy's career revitalizes while his nosedives. The couple must navigate a new power dynamic within their previously loving relationship, turning the familiar tale into a darkly amusing battle of wills.
Allison Janney gives a vicious performance as a divorce lawyer in the movie, adding fuel to the fire of the Roses' marital strife. Jamie Demetriou and Zoe Chao bottle up resentment in their characters, providing a supporting cast that, while mostly sidelined, is stacked with talent.
Roach and screenwriter Tony McNamara infuse the story with sharp humor and modern-day sensibilities, recognizing contemporary ambition and shifting gender roles as factors that can destabilize even the most loving marriage. Despite failing to deliver the no-holds-barred meanness of the original, "The Roses" still delivers sharp dialogue and sensational acting.
For those seeking a quick-paced, darkly comic take on a classic story, "The Roses" is a must-watch. The movie runs under two hours and moves briskly, ensuring that audiences remain engaged throughout. Director Jay Roach's adaptation of "The War of the Roses" offers a fresh perspective on a timeless tale, making it a compelling addition to the genre.
