Movie Review: The Roses

Sometimes you just need a light, slightly chaotic, slightly messy good-time movie to watch on the couch while snacking on something unhealthy — and for me, The Roses was exactly that. It’s a satirical black comedy with that signature Tony McNamara bite, but at its heart, it’s simply a story about a couple who slowly fall apart after years of being together. Very relatable, very human, and honestly… a little uncomfortably real at times.

The movie reimagines The War of the Roses with Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman playing Theo and Ivy — a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage deteriorates as life, ego, jealousy, and miscommunication pile up. And with these two actors? Of course the performances are great. Olivia Colman brings her signature emotional precision, and Benedict nails that simmering frustration of a man who feels left behind. Their chemistry — even when it’s toxic — keeps the whole movie watchable.

What I love about this version is how it explores the balance between communication and empathy. Yes, talking is important, but what this movie really shows is that tolerance is equally crucial. Understanding, compromising, seeing things from your partner’s perspective — all of these matter. I genuinely felt the frustration from both sides, and that’s what makes their downfall both funny and kind of sad.

The tone is playful, the comedy is dark but not heavy, and while I’m not madly in love with it, I’m also not disappointed. It’s exactly the kind of film you watch when you want to relax and not think too hard — something silly, chaotic, and satirical enough to keep you entertained.

I’m giving The Roses a 6/10 — a good-time movie with great acting, perfect for a comfy night in.