The Roses
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Marriage can be hard at times, and admittedly, many end in divorce. Yet, when money, assets and children get added into the mix of these relational breakdowns, things can get ugly. Warren Adler’s 1981 novel, The War of the Roses, takes this tension and the actions that can ensue to a whole new level of painful vitriol. Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and director Danny DeVito successfully adapted this dark, satirical tale in 1989. Surprisingly, it has taken over three decades to see the resurrection of the Roses with the comedic minds of director Jay Roach (The Austin Powers & Meet the Parents franchise) and writer Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Poor Things) reimagining this black comedy for modern audiences.
Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Olivia Colman) Rose have everything that a couple would want from life. Successful careers, a loving marriage, beautiful children and an idyllic lifestyle on the California coast. Until an architectural disaster causes him to be exiled from his industry, leaving him to become a stay-at-home father to the couple’s twins. At the same time, Ivy’s restaurant experiences a sudden surge in success, which leads to her becoming the darling of the restaurant sector. As they try to make do in their new roles as husband and wife, Theo designs and builds an immaculate home meant to reinstate him within the architectural community. However, all the tension leads the pair to drift apart and decide that it is time for their marriage to come to an end. This is the moment when things go wrong for all involved.
Trailer contains mature content
To call Jay Roach’s film a dark comedy is an understatement of biblical proportions, as this satire rips back the fabric of all decency within marriage. The laughs come uncomfortably fast within Tony McNamara’s script, and the lead actors seem to be relishing in every seething word they are given to deliver. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman (who appears to be channeling her role in Wicked Little Letters at times) manage to make you love and hate them without abandon as each scene sees an escalation of sordid actions between this couple. Andy Samberg, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Kate McKinnon add the necessary comedic fuel to the fire as the unwanted friends who seem to operate as tools of division and jealousy, opposed to genuinely caring for Theo and Ivy. The combination of writing, direction and performances leads to an undeniable quality that proves to be one of the most unappealing films of the year.
The Roses becomes a PSA in how not to care for your spouse, and how difficulties can expose what a couple’s marriage relies on for meaning within their relationship. There are belly-laugh moments, and the acting prowess is undeniable. Still, the writing and acting are so convincing that you will come away hating this couple and yearning for the divorce they both desire.
Check out The One Thing podcast - How can movies open the door to meaningful conversations about faith?
Reel Dialogue’s Russ Matthews joins us to share how films can help spark gospel conversations in everyday life. We discuss why asking good questions and listening well are essential, how couples can partner in mission together, and what Russ has learned from using mainstream movies as a starting point for sharing Jesus.
Reel Dialogue: Can The Roses cause you to cherish your marriage?
Warren Adler takes the sacred relationship of marriage down the horrific path of divorce. Granted, this story is an extreme that may not be based on the realities of married life, but one thing can be said: it does not have to be that way.
Interestingly, as I watched this movie with my wife, this satirical look at the world caused me to see the value of marriage. Motivating me to do all I can to protect and care for our relationship. All the relational elements underscore the importance of a healthy marriage between a man and a woman. This film portrays a marriage as it deteriorates from bad to worse, which may be uncomfortable for many viewers to watch. If so, this is not the film for you. Yet, without them even saying it, the underlying message of this twisted tale was about the importance of healthy marriages.
Even though this world does not want to admit it, God had a great plan when he created marriage. He wants it to be robust, exciting, romantic, sexual, fulfilling and spiritual. It is all over the Bible; read up on it. If you are struggling in your marriage, the Bible can help you find the answers and provide some real glue that will keep your marriage together.
