Get ready to dive into the heart of marital bliss turned battleground with "The Roses," starring the likes of Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. This isn't your regular rehashed narrative; this reimagining of the 1989 dark satirical comedy "The War of the Roses" even comes with an injection of British humor, and apparently, a fruit bowl recommendation. ABC7 New York reports that Colman playfully suggests couples might need a bowl of soft fruit, "Preferably made of sponge," just in case things go awry - and from the looks of it, things in this film certainly do.
The giants behind the scenes include Tony McNamara on script duties and Jay Roach in the director's chair. They take us on a journey that opens, not as you might expect, with combat, but rather with marital bliss that foreshadows the tumultuous times ahead. In a statement obtained by IndieWire, Roach's take on "The Roses" starts with a couple's counseling session gone sideways - a humorous showcase of the film's edge. After all, they contend, what's a war without a love story at its core?
Adding a dash of humor to the mix are Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg, playing a couple whose main purpose is to irritate and agitate. (To irritate and to agitate, my friends, are quite the understatements.) Their interactions, according to Colman's interview with ABC7 New York, were challenging to shoot due to the difficulty of keeping a straight face. Cumberbatch echoes this sentiment, underscoring McKinnon's ability to go off-script and still deliver laugh-out-loud moments.
The film has received some criticism for smoothing out elements of its source material, with IndieWire noting that while the playful moments between the Roses work well, some of the darker themes may feel sharper in contrast. Audiences can expect standout scenes, particularly during the chaotic dinner party, where Roach, Cumberbatch, and Colman deliver strong performances.
"The Roses" opens in theaters tomorrow, featuring Colman and Cumberbatch in a mix of humor and tension as the story explores the dynamics of a strained marriage.
