Why ‘The Roses’ Misses the Mark: The Pain of Love Turned to Hate

In the new movie The Roses, directors take a fresh spin on the classic narrative from Warren Adler’s The War of the Roses. Rather than explore a divorce filled with venom, this adaptation showcases a couple whose love endures, even amid conflicts. Starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, the film follows Ivy, a chef, and Theo, an architect, as they navigate marriage, parenting, and mounting tensions.

Right from the start, we see Ivy and Theo fall for each other. They move to California, start a family, and try to fulfill their career dreams. However, life and challenges slowly build up resentment between them. The film spends much of its time depicting their squabbles and reconciliations, reminiscent of other tales about middle-aged couples grappling with monotony. Toward the climax, the mood shifts darker, revealing underlying emotions, but it still maintains a comedic undertone.

Experts in family dynamics often note that communication is vital in relationships. Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes that even healthy relationships can falter without open dialogue. This theme rings true in The Roses, where the couple struggles with expressing their frustrations, leading to misunderstandings.

The film features a solid comedic cast, including Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon. However, their talents, while notable, often feel underused. Samberg presents a character with a peculiar obsession, yet he ultimately seems extraneous. McKinnon’s quirky energy, while entertaining, loses its charm when repeated in similar scenes.

While the original story delivered a biting critique of relationships, The Roses leans more toward light-hearted comedy. Critics have expressed disappointment, voicing that the film loses some of the original’s intensity. As film critic Mark Harris noted, “The moral of the original was that nobody can hurt you quite like someone you once loved.” Here, the characters don’t exhibit the same viciousness, opting instead for a more palatable portrayal of love.

Despite its shortcomings, The Roses offers moments of charm. Colman and Cumberbatch deliver engaging performances, bringing humor and warmth to a story about the complexities of marriage. But it raises a crucial question: why adapt a narrative if its essence is altered? In this case, a more genuine story of love could have emerged without linking it to a legacy that diverges from its core.

In the end, The Roses isn’t a failure; it simply misses the chance to explore a deeper, more nuanced story. Viewers can appreciate the humor and the chemistry between the leads, but they might find themselves longing for the sharp edges that made the original so impactful.