Unraveling The Roses: Why Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Can’t Rescue This Dull Film

The Roses Review: A Missed Opportunity

Marriage isn’t always easy. The new film, The Roses, tries to capture that, but it misses the mark. Based on Warren Adler’s novel, it’s a reimagining of the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, starring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. In the original, love turns sour with striking intensity. Sadly, this version lacks that bite.

With Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as leads, the film had potential. Colman shines as Ivy, a talented chef, while Cumberbatch plays Theo, an architect whose career falters as Ivy’s rises. This shift in their roles illustrates modern gender dynamics. Yet, when tension builds, the film pulls back. The grit and complexity that could have made their relationship compelling are softened, leaving viewers longing for more.

Historically, the 1980s marked significant changes in marriage dynamics, as more women joined the workforce. Current statistics show that nearly 50% of married women are now primary earners in their households. This shift could have added layers to Ivy and Theo’s relationship, but it feels underexplored.

The support cast, including Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg, also falls flat. Their characters feel disconnected from the main narrative, pulling the focus away from the central conflict. Rather than enhancing the story, their presence seems more like an afterthought.

As the story unfolds, moments intended to create drama often feel forced. When Theo admits to his “sporadic dizzying waves of hatred” for Ivy, it’s relatable. Many couples face similar feelings. But instead of diving deeper, The Roses stays on the surface. We miss the emotional punch.

Viewers often look for authenticity in films about relationships. In social media discussions about the movie, fans express disappointment. Many compare it unfavorably to its predecessor, noting that it lacks the raw emotion that made the original memorable.

In summary, while The Roses features strong performers and an intriguing premise, it doesn’t deliver on its promise. The tension and complexity behind modern relationships are present but underutilized. The film makes us wish for more depth, leaving only a few unanswered questions and a sense of what could have been.

For an in-depth look at how marriage dynamics have changed over time, you can check out resources from the Pew Research Center here.

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