The Roses, directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, reimagines The War of the Roses with a modern twist, starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as Ivy and Theo Rose. The film benefits from its leads’ nuanced performances and sharp flashes of dark humor, with role-reversals that reflect contemporary discussions of ambition and marriage.
Visually, the film leans into sleek production design and carefully framed interiors that mirror the couple’s crumbling relationship—the glossy kitchens and open-plan living spaces becoming battlegrounds as tension escalates. Cinematographer framing often emphasizes isolation within shared spaces, using light and shadow to heighten the emotional distance between characters. The muted color palette gradually gives way to harsher contrasts, reflecting the decay beneath the Roses’ seemingly perfect life.
Though the impressive supporting cast, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Alison Janney, is underutilized, the film’s visual polish reinforces its themes, even if comparisons to the 1989 original highlight what’s missing in bite and emotional weight.
Ultimately, The Roses is a stylish, engaging dark comedy worth seeing for its performances and its cinematographic exploration of love turning toxic.
