Marriage takes work, especially to make it last. You have to work at it every day. But if you continue to let those little hurts and recriminations fester, it can turn into something ugly. That’s certainly a message that comes through loud-and-clear in the new film The Roses, which is based on the book The War of the Roses by Warren Adler.
In the film, we follow a couple who have been married for years. While their love story began with a fire of passion, that passion has turned into a torrent of rage and festering frustration. Now, they are at odds. But can the relationship be saved?
A marriage story in The Roses
Quickly we meet Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch). They’re in a therapy session meant to capture what they love about each other. Their list isn’t loving, and it puts their therapist on edge. But does it mean their story is doomed?
Quickly we flash back to their beginning. Ivy was an up-and-coming chef, and Theo a talented architect. Neither was happy in their place in London. After a meeting that created a spark, it bloomed into a marriage that re-located to the coast of California. Years later, they’re still married, now with two kids.
Theo is a successful architect, but Ivy’s dream was put on hold. Theo works to help her open a restaurant to begin to pursue that dream. But a sudden shift happens. Ivy’s career blooms into a flourishing empire. Theo’s career dies on the vine after a failed build that becomes a public scandal. So, Ivy pours her energy into her burgeoning business and Theo pours his into their kids.
Years later, they’ve each seen their specific project bear fruit. But in that time, they’ve failed to tend their own relationship. Instead, hurts, jealousies, and frustration has gone unsaid. It’s festered under the surface. And now it’s obvious to everyone but them that their relationship is at a breaking point.
Re-making a classic
This isn’t the first time The War of the Roses has been adapted. In 1989, Director Danny DeVito brought it to life. He co-starred in the film, which focused on a married couple played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner who were descending into adversaries. It’s a classic that entertained audiences.
In spirit, The Roses is similar. It follows a couple whose relationship disintegrates due to many of the same issues. And it follows a similar path to conclusion. But it’s updated for a modern era, with some twists on the story. This film, in fact, seems more interested in following the long arc of the marriage between Ivy and Theo. That comes to the point that their bitter conflict, for the most part, is limited to the final 20 minutes or so of the film.
This also has a different kind of ending. It is similar to the first film, as both draw from the source material, but is certainly more abrupt. It’s an interesting final sequence that gives you plenty to chew on. That’s a credit to the script from Tony McNamara and the direction from Jay Roach. This film grabs you, pulls you in, and is captivating until the climatic final moments.
A great duo
What helps it sing is Colman and Cumberbatch. They are great together and great as sparring partners. Each gives such an interesting performance, playing off one-another. As we follow the arc of their marriage, you can’t help but invest in their journey, invest in them as a couple, and root for a good outcome to their issues. They are the heart of the film and one of the best parts of the journey.
But this film has a strong supporting cast, too. There are several faces that pop up for moments that are fun in the film. I liked Kate McKinnon and her wacky supporting character, while Alison Janney has a great sequence as Ivy’s lawyer. But it’s Andy Samberg, as Theo’s friend and confidant throughout the film, that was one of the best aspects. He has some great lines and some great line delivery here.
The Roses is an interesting and engaging film. It has some funny sequences and some poignant emotional moments. I really enjoyed the ride. I was a bit shaken by the abrupt ending, which might rankle some viewers, but as I reflected on it, I felt like it was something of a genius move. This is movie that entertains and makes you think, and it’s a great addition to the theatrical landscape this Labor Day Weekend.
The Roses is now playing nationwide.