Film Review: The Roses

War of the Roses is described by many as a classic story about the breakdown of a marriage. The novel got turned into a film back in the 1980s with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner and that is also considered a classic. The question is then, could this story be adapted again for a modern audience? The family themes are universal enough for the story to fit within our age of technology and devices. There are many ways a new adaption of the book could work and that brings us to filmmaker Jay Roach as his new vision of the story. Jay Roach is responsible for films such as Meet the Parents and the Austin Powers films, so he knows a thing or two about dysfunctional families and comedy, and he puts all his knowledge together in his latest film, The Roses.

The Roses is about Theo Rose and Ivy Rose, played elegantly by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. Theo is an architect and Ivy is a chef. They are both very ambitious people with rather large ego’s and they become to clash amongst each other when their plans don’t exactly go to plan. They move to America and befriend a lovely couple played by Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg, and seeing their very British sense of humour clash with the American humour is one of the many highlights in the film.

The film is littered with hilarious moments and comedy set-pieces. The destruction of Theo’s building, the sub-plot of their kids wanting to be fit and healthy and Ivy’s alcoholic tendencies are just some of these moments that the film goes through. I should also mention the film is very profane, with a lot of swearing and cursing between the couple which adds to the British-ness of the situation. There are also times where they do go over the top a little bit only to rein it back in again moments later. Luckily the script and the acting assists in keeping the film grounded enough to believe the hijinks that the family get up to.

The highlight of the film is the chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch. They’re both extremely talented actors and you do believe that they are a real couple. Their mannerisms, personalities and flaws and executed perfectly, bringing the characters of Ivy and Theo to life in fun and imaginative ways. There is never a dull moment and the story keeps momentum going. All the supporting cast are equally as funny too with Samberg and McKinnon providing some fun laughs as well. It all comes together in a highly entertaining film that feels and looks different from other comedies, all thanks to Roach and the cast.

★★★★☆

4/5

Final Verdict:

The Roses is a fun experience; it is delightful to see Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman go against each other and they make a hilarious couple. The comedy is inventive, over the top and wildly inappropriate in the best ways. As someone who isn’t familiar with the source material or the original film, I actually found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would. Filmmaker Jay Roach has proven comedy is an art and he manages to inject his magic throughout the film. The ending is surprising but fits the tone and you do wish to see more of this outrageous and highly dysfunctional family.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions