The Roses (2025)

The Roses is an upcoming satirical black comedy film directed by Jay Roach from a screenplay by Tony McNamara. It is based on the 1981 novel The War of the Roses by Warren Adler, and a remake of the 1989 film. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon. This highly anticipated remake promises to bring a fresh, contemporary perspective to the classic story of marital discord and competitive destruction.

Plot Overview

Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy and Theo: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo's career nosedives while Ivy's own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites.

The story follows this seemingly perfect couple as their marriage transforms from loving partnership to bitter warfare. What begins as subtle tensions escalates into an all-out battle for supremacy, with neither spouse willing to back down. The film explores how professional jealousy, changing gender dynamics, and wounded egos can poison even the strongest relationships.

Set against the backdrop of modern society's expectations for dual-career couples, The Roses examines how success and failure can shift the power balance in a marriage, leading to devastating consequences. The narrative promises to be both darkly hilarious and uncomfortably relatable, showing how love can curdle into hatred when pride and ambition take precedence over partnership.

Cast and Creative Team

Director: Jay Roach, known for balancing broad comedy with sharp social commentary in films like Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, and Bombshell, brings his expertise in both comedy and dramatic storytelling to this complex material.

Screenplay: Tony McNamara, the Oscar-nominated writer behind The Favourite and Poor Things, adapts the source material with his signature wit and psychological insight.

Main Cast:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose, the husband whose career decline triggers the marital war

Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose, the wife whose professional ascent creates friction in the marriage

Andy Samberg in a key supporting role that promises to add comedic relief to the intense drama

Kate McKinnon brings her comedic talents to the ensemble cast

Additional Cast: Allison Janney, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa round out the supporting cast, bringing additional depth and variety to the story.



What Makes This Remake Special

• Contemporary Relevance: Unlike the 1989 original, which focused on traditional gender roles, this 2025 version examines modern dual-career marriages where both spouses have professional ambitions. The film addresses current issues around work-life balance, gender equality in the workplace, and how changing societal expectations affect marital dynamics.

• Star Power: The pairing of Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman represents a meeting of two of Britain's most acclaimed actors. Both bring extensive experience in both comedy and drama, promising performances that can handle the film's tonal shifts from humor to darkness.

• Sharp Writing: Tony McNamara's involvement ensures sophisticated dialogue and character development. His work on "The Favourite" demonstrated his ability to craft wickedly funny scripts about power struggles and human nature, making him an ideal choice for this material.

• Directorial Vision: Jay Roach's track record shows his ability to find the perfect balance between entertainment and social commentary, ensuring the film will be both commercially appealing and intellectually satisfying.



Production Quality and Style

A reimagining of the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, this version promises updated production values and a contemporary aesthetic that reflects modern sensibilities while maintaining the dark comedic tone that made the original memorable.

Why You Should Watch The Roses

1. Outstanding Lead Performances: Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are two of the most compelling actors working today. Their chemistry and individual talents promise to bring depth and authenticity to these complex, flawed characters.

2. Timely Social Commentary: The film addresses contemporary issues that many couples face, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It offers insights into modern marriage that go beyond simple comedy or drama.

3. Sophisticated Dark Comedy: Tony McNamara's screenplay promises the kind of sharp, intelligent humor that made "The Favourite" so acclaimed. Expect dialogue that is both funny and psychologically astute.

4. Visual Spectacle: As the couple's war escalates, audiences can expect increasingly elaborate and creative scenes of domestic destruction that are both shocking and darkly humorous.

5. Ensemble Excellence: The supporting cast, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Allison Janney, ensures that every role will be memorably performed.

6. Fresh Take on Classic Story: While respecting the original's spirit, this remake updates the story for contemporary audiences, addressing current relationship dynamics and social expectations.

7. Awards Potential: With its combination of star power, strong writing, and relevant themes, The Roses has the potential to be both a commercial success and awards contender.

Final Verdict

The Roses (2025) represents the perfect storm of talent, timing, and material. By combining a proven story with contemporary relevance, exceptional casting, and skilled direction, the film promises to be both highly entertaining and meaningfully provocative.

For audiences seeking smart, adult entertainment that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths about modern relationships, The Roses offers the rare combination of laughs and insights. The film should appeal to fans of sophisticated comedies like "Marriage Story" or "The Favourite," as well as anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of domestic life.