“The Roses”, the latest film adaptation of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel “The War of the Roses”, sees a married couple in complete shambles.
Ivy Rose (Olivia Colman) is a stay-at-home mother who got a shot at opening her dream restaurant. Her husband Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch), a renowned architect, sets his eyes on the groundbreaking of his new design, a maritime museum that could change the course of his career.
A reversal of fortune happened in one disastrous night, as the museum was destroyed by the storm, causing Theo to have a massive public breakout, while Ivy’s restaurant became an overnight sensation thanks to a flock of people who raided her place out of curiosity. Theo was forced to resign from his job and became a stay-at-home father while Ivy enjoyed her sweet success with her newfound career.
Jealousy and selfishness triggered Theo and Ivy to push forward in ending their marriage. Ivy was more than happy to become the new breadwinner of the family, but Theo is displeased with the lack of outlet for his architectural dreams and being stuck in unemployment limbo.
Danny DeVito’s 1989 film “The War of the Roses”, also based on the Adler story, touches heavily on what happens when the extremely bossy husband goes on an all-out divorce war with his equally unstoppable wife. I’m not sure some of the creative choices of that movie will work in today’s moral standards, but it is unapologetically extreme in its depiction of two people who just want to kill each other but could never do it due to their shared history.
“The Roses” is a calmer and more careful beast. It never reaches the ferociousness of that DeVito movie, let alone the absurdity needed for that comical fight between the husband and wife.
What the film lacks in action, it makes up for with a sharp screenplay by Tony McNamara. Maybe, tough words that should never be shared with your spouse can be more hurtful than setting them up for numerous physical injuries.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman seem to have a great time acting opposite one another. There simply can never be a better choice than their casting as the Roses. Great ensemble too, with Andy Samberg and Alisson Janney making great turns with their limited capacities.
Overall, “The Roses” isn’t bad. I just wish there were more teeth when the film tries to bite hard because it felt like a tempered version of an otherwise fearless story. But in the end, the film finds its earnest footing with a surprising positive conclusion. It knows that there’s simply nowhere else to go but always look back at sincerity and love amidst chaos.
“The Roses” is now showing in New Zealand cinemas.
Featured images from 20th Century Studios.
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