The Roses Review reveals whether this highly anticipated 2025 satirical black comedy lives up to expectations. Every week brings new cinema releases, but does The Roses Review stand out from the crowded marketplace? After analyzing this Jay Roach-directed reimagining of the 1989 classic, we’re here with our complete The Roses Review analysis. Let’s dive into what makes this Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman starrer tick.
Movie Details Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Movie Name | The Roses |
| 📅 Release Date | August 29, 2025 |
| ⭐ Star Cast | Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon |
| 🎥 Director | Jay Roach |
| 🎶 Screenplay | Tony McNamara |
| 🕒 Runtime | 105 minutes (1h 45m) |
| 🎬 Trailer | Available on YouTube/Searchlight Pictures |
| 📱 OTT Platform | Expected on Disney+ (Searchlight Pictures) |
| 📺 OTT Release | December 2025 (Expected) |
| 🏆 Our Rating | 4/5 Stars |
Cast & Characters – The Roses Review
Main Cast
Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose: A successful architect whose professional dreams come crashing down, igniting fierce competition with his wife. Cumberbatch delivers a complex performance showcasing Theo’s vulnerability and growing resentment.
Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose: An up-and-coming restaurateur whose career takes off as her marriage deteriorates. Colman masterfully balances Ivy’s professional ambition with her personal struggles.
Andy Samberg as Barry: The Roses’ friend, Theo’s divorce lawyer, and Amy’s husband. Samberg brings his signature comedic timing to this supporting role.
Kate McKinnon as Amy: Barry’s wife and the Roses’ friend who witnesses their marriage’s destruction. McKinnon provides both comic relief and emotional depth.
Supporting Cast
Allison Janney – Eleanor (Ivy’s divorce lawyer)
Ncuti Gatwa – Jeffrey (Front-house manager at Ivy’s restaurant)
Sunita Mani – Jane (Ivy’s sous chef)
Jamie Demetriou – Rory (The Roses’ friend)
Zoë Chao – Sally (Rory’s wife)
Cast Verdict: The ensemble brings exceptional depth and authenticity to their respective roles, making The Roses Review particularly compelling.
Trailer Analysis – The Roses Review
Trailer Highlights:
✅ Perfect glimpse without major spoilers – builds anticipation effectively
✅ Showcases stellar performances from Cumberbatch and Colman
✅ Tagline “All’s fair when love is war” creates memorable impact
✅ Escalating tension between the picture-perfect couple
✅ Dark comedy elements balanced with dramatic moments
Trailer Verdict: Successfully creates buzz and sets proper expectations for this satirical black comedy.
OTT Release Details
Streaming Platform: Expected on Disney+ (Searchlight Pictures distribution)
Expected OTT Date: December 2025 – January 2026
Subscription: Available with Disney+ subscription
Languages: English (Primary), with subtitles in multiple languages
The Roses Story Review
The Roses Review centers on a seemingly picture-perfect couple whose facade crumbles when professional jealousy ignites. The plot revolves around Theo and Ivy Rose, whose marriage becomes a battleground as Theo’s architectural career nosedives while Ivy’s restaurant business flourishes.
What works: The narrative keeps you engaged throughout with its satirical take on modern marriage dynamics. Each scene builds momentum effectively, exploring themes of competition, resentment, and hidden tensions.
Story strength: Tony McNamara’s screenplay delivers unexpected twists while maintaining the dark comedy tone. Character development feels natural and authentic, drawing from both Warren Adler’s novel and the 1989 film adaptation.
Performance Analysis – The Roses Review
Lead Performances:
Benedict Cumberbatch: Delivers a career-defining performance, showcasing Theo’s transformation from successful architect to desperate husband. His portrayal of mounting frustration and jealousy is both believable and compelling.
Olivia Colman: Shines in emotional sequences, perfectly balancing Ivy’s professional success with her personal struggles. Her chemistry with Cumberbatch creates authentic marital tension.
Supporting Cast Performance:
Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon add depth to the overall narrative as the couple’s friends caught in their destructive spiral. Allison Janney brings gravitas as Ivy’s divorce lawyer, elevating every scene she appears in.
Acting Verdict: The ensemble cast elevates the material significantly, making The Roses Review a showcase of exceptional performances.
Technical Aspects – Direction & Cinematography
Direction Quality:
Jay Roach’s direction maintains engaging pace throughout the 105-minute runtime. His experience with satirical comedies shines through in balancing dark themes with comedic elements.
Screenplay Excellence:
Tony McNamara’s writing (Oscar-nominated for “Poor Things” and “The Favourite”) brings wit and intelligence to the material. The screenplay successfully modernizes the classic story for contemporary audiences.
Visual Treatment:
Cinematography captures the contrast between the couple’s public perfection and private destruction beautifully. The film’s R-rating allows for authentic portrayal of marital conflict.
Technical Rating: 4/5 stars for production values and direction quality.
The Roses Review – What Works
✅ Stellar performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman
✅ Sharp satirical writing by Tony McNamara
✅ Engaging storyline with perfect pacing throughout
✅ Strong supporting cast including Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon
✅ Jay Roach’s experienced direction keeps viewers engaged
✅ Modern relevance of career competition in relationships
Areas for Improvement
❌ Mixed critical reception – 66% on Rotten Tomatoes suggests divisive response
❌ Dark comedy tone may not appeal to all audiences
❌ R-rating content limits family viewing options
❌ Niche appeal – requires appreciation for satirical black comedy
Final Verdict – The Roses Review 2025
Bottom Line: The Roses delivers a sophisticated satirical take on modern marriage with exceptional performances.
Target Audience: Perfect for fans of dark comedies and character-driven dramas seeking intelligent entertainment.
Worth Watching? Absolutely! This film justifies your time and money with its stellar cast and sharp writing.
Weekend Plans? Make this your top choice if you enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman’s previous work.
OTT Worth? Definitely worth waiting for streaming release if you prefer home viewing for mature content.
Rating & Recommendation
⭐ Our Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommendation Level: Must Watch (for fans of satirical comedies and stellar performances)
Where to Watch:
🎬 Theaters: Currently running since August 29, 2025
📱 OTT: Expected on Disney+ December 2025
🎥 Trailer: Available on YouTube/Searchlight Pictures