The Roses Movie Release date 2025: Reviews and Details You Can’t Miss!

August 29, 2025 marked the theatrical release of The Roses, a highly anticipated dark comedy-drama that reimagines the 1989 classic The War Dolores of the Roses. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, this modern retelling of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel stars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage spirals into chaos. With a stellar cast, sharp wit, and a biting take on modern relationships, The Roses has sparked buzz and mixed reviews. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the movie’s release details, plot, cast, reviews, and everything you need to know to decide if this film is worth watching. Let’s explore the chaos, humor, and heartbreak of The Roses!

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What Is The Roses About? 📖

The Roses is a satirical black comedy that follows Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch), a picture-perfect couple living on the northern coast of California. They have successful careers, two kids, and an enviable life—at least on the surface. The story begins with a flashback to their meet-cute in a London restaurant, where Ivy, a talented chef, and Theo, an ambitious architect, spark an instant connection. Fast-forward ten years, they’ve built a life together in America, but cracks begin to show. When Theo’s career as an architect crumbles after a failed museum project, and Ivy’s restaurant empire skyrockets, resentment and competition ignite a vicious marital war.

Unlike the 1989 film, which focused on a bitter divorce battle over material possessions, this reimagining explores modern themes like gender dynamics, ambition, and the emotional toll of a failing marriage. The couple’s witty banter turns into caustic insults, leading to outrageous acts of revenge, from drugging restaurant patrons to explosive confrontations. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes and an R rating for language and mature themes, The Roses blends humor and tragedy in a way that’s both entertaining and unsettling.

Release Date and Where to Watch 📅

The Roses premiered in New York City on August 25, 2025, and hit U.S. theaters on August 29, 2025, distributed by Searchlight Pictures. International releases began slightly earlier, with France and Italy on August 27, and Argentina, Australia, and Brazil on August 28. In the UK, the film premiered on August 28, 2025, with a wider release on September 1, 2025. You can catch it in theaters across the U.S., UK, and other regions, with tickets available through platforms like Fandango and BookMyShow. A DVD and Blu-ray release is expected in October 2025, though streaming details are yet to be confirmed. Check local listings for showtimes, and keep an eye on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime for future streaming availability.

Cast and Crew 🎭

The film boasts an all-star cast and a talented production team. Here’s a breakdown:

Role	Name
Ivy Rose	Olivia Colman
Theo Rose	Benedict Cumberbatch
Amy	Kate McKinnon
Barry	Andy Samberg
Supporting Roles	Allison Janney, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani
Director	Jay Roach
Screenwriter	Tony McNamara
Producers	Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver, Jay Roach, Michelle Graham
Director of Photography	Florian Hoffmeister
Production Designer	Mark Ricker
Costume Designer	PC Williams
Music	Theodore Shapiro
Editor	Jon Poll

Olivia Colman, an Academy Award winner for The Favourite, delivers a masterful performance as Ivy, blending humor and heartbreak. Benedict Cumberbatch, known for Doctor Strange and The Power of the Dog, shines as Theo, revealing a surprising comedic flair. The supporting cast, including SNL alumni Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg, adds quirky energy, though some reviews note their roles feel out of place. Director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers) brings his knack for family dysfunction, while Tony McNamara’s sharp script (The Favourite, Poor Things) injects modern wit and profanity-laced dialogue.

Plot Details: A Marriage in Chaos 💥

The story kicks off with a therapy session where Ivy and Theo’s marriage is already on shaky ground. A flashback reveals their romantic beginnings in London, where Theo, frustrated with his job, meets Ivy, a chef with dreams of moving to America. He joins her, and they build a life together with two kids, Hattie and Roy. Theo gifts Ivy a seafood café, but their dynamic shifts when his ambitious museum project collapses during a storm, and he’s fired. Meanwhile, Ivy’s restaurant garners rave reviews, fueling Theo’s resentment as he takes on parenting duties.

The couple’s playful British banter turns vicious. Theo puts the kids on a strict diet, clashing with Ivy’s more indulgent parenting style. Petty disputes escalate into psychological warfare, with moments like Theo dosing restaurant food with magic mushrooms, leading to absurd chaos. The film’s climax involves a dramatic confrontation, with a subtle, ironic ending that avoids the 1989 film’s brutal conclusion. While the original focused on material greed, The Roses explores ambition, ego, and the slow unraveling of love, making it a timely reflection of modern relationships.

Critical Reviews: A Mixed Bag 📰

The Roses has received mixed reviews, with a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 97 reviews. Critics praise the lead performances but are divided on the film’s tone and execution. Here’s a summary:

Positive Reviews

BBC: Calls it a “piercing black comedy” with “droll perfection” from Colman and Cumberbatch, praising their witty delivery and the film’s relevance to modern issues like ambition and gender roles.
Loud and Clear Reviews: Labels it a “stunning remake” that reinvents the source material with layered characters and a timely narrative, despite inconsistent humor.
IMDb Reviewer: Highlights the “fantastic acting duo” and “beautiful camera work,” noting the film’s ability to balance complex comedy and intense drama.
Hollywood Reporter: Praises the “combative chemistry” of the leads, keeping the film “zingy” even when it risks turning sour.

Negative Reviews

New York Times: Calls it “strangely bad,” criticizing its flat tone and lack of the original’s daring edge, suggesting it feels too conventional.
Rotten Tomatoes: Some reviews note the film’s “wild mood swings” and “bland ending,” with uneven character development and a niche appeal.
Movies, Films & Flix: Notes tonal inconsistencies, with silly characters clashing with the dark comedy, causing “tonal whiplash.”
Metacritic: Criticizes the film for not committing to its dark comedy roots, feeling “flimsy” and safe compared to the 1989 film’s rancor.

Audience Reactions

Audiences are split. Some found it “hilarious” and loved the “clever one-liners,” with theatergoers laughing throughout. Others found the humor too dry, the language too aggressive, and the ending unsatisfying. The film’s dark themes, including references to suicide and toxic behavior, may be triggering for some.

Themes and Style: A Modern Twist 🎥

The Roses blends dark comedy, satire, and drama, exploring themes of ambition, resentment, and the fragility of love. Unlike the 1989 film’s focus on material wealth, this version delves into career-driven rivalry and gender dynamics, reflecting 2025’s cultural landscape. The glossy rom-com aesthetic contrasts with the vicious undertones, creating a unique but sometimes disjointed tone. The film’s sharp dialogue, laced with profanity, and vibrant cinematography by Florian Hoffmeister give it a polished yet gritty feel. Theodore Shapiro’s score complements the emotional highs and lows, while Mark Ricker’s production design brings the upscale Montecito setting to life.

Comparisons to the 1989 Film 🔄

The 1989 War of the Roses, directed by Danny DeVito, starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in a brutally funny tale of divorce and greed. The 2025 version shifts focus from material possessions to career ambitions and emotional warfare. While the original had a darker, more caustic edge, The Roses leans into a glossier, more comedic style, with a subtler ending that some critics found less impactful. The modern setting in California, updated gender dynamics, and McNamara’s witty script make it a distinct reimagining, though some argue it lacks the original’s daring bite.

Why You Should Watch It 👀

The Roses is a must-see for fans of dark comedy and stellar acting. Colman and Cumberbatch’s electric chemistry and biting dialogue make it a wild ride, even if the humor doesn’t always land. It’s a bold exploration of modern relationships, perfect for date nights with a taste for chaos. However, its intense themes and language may not suit everyone, so approach with caution if sensitive to dark humor or marital conflict. Check showtimes on Fandango or BookMyShow, and consider watching with friends or a partner for lively post-movie discussions.

Production Details 🎬

Filming began on June 10, 2024, in Devon, UK, standing in for Northern California. The film was produced by Searchlight Pictures, with Cumberbatch and Colman also serving as executive producers. The budget hasn’t been disclosed, but the high-profile cast and polished production suggest a significant investment. The film’s vibrant visuals and theatrical intensity reflect director Jay Roach’s mainstream comedy expertise and Tony McNamara’s sharp, irreverent writing style.

Awards Potential 🏆

With Colman and Cumberbatch leading the charge, The Roses is a potential contender for awards season, particularly for acting and screenplay categories. Colman’s Oscar-winning pedigree and Cumberbatch’s acclaimed performances make them strong candidates for nominations. The film’s bold themes and sharp dialogue could also earn nods for Best Adapted Screenplay. However, its mixed reviews and niche appeal may limit its chances for major awards like Best Picture. Keep an eye on festivals like Venice or Telluride for early awards buzz.

Fun Facts and Trivia 🎉

Inspired Casting: Colman and Cumberbatch were announced as leads in April 2024, with fans excited to see them use their natural British accents after mixed reviews of their American accents in past roles.
Whale-Saving Scene: Critics have called the whale-saving scene one of the funniest moments of 2025, showcasing the film’s absurd humor.
Allison Janney’s Cameo: Janney steals the show in a single scene, proving her comedic prowess.
Tony McNamara’s Touch: The screenwriter’s signature profanity-laced dialogue, seen in The Favourite and Poor Things, adds a sharp edge to the film.
Devon as California: The film was shot in Devon, UK, but set in Montecito, California, creating a unique visual blend.

Where to Find Tickets 🎟️

Tickets are available through Fandango, BookMyShow, and local theater websites. For the UK premiere on August 28, 2025, Good Housekeeping offered a contest for red carpet tickets and a 4-star hotel stay in London. Check Fandango for U.S. showtimes and bundle deals, like the Beneath the Surface bundle with a Jaws ticket and exclusive poster.

10 FAQs About The Roses ❓

What is The Roses about?
It’s a dark comedy-drama about a couple, Ivy and Theo, whose perfect marriage unravels when Theo’s career fails and Ivy’s restaurant empire thrives, leading to a vicious war of resentment and revenge.
When was The Roses released?
It premiered in New York on August 25, 2025, with a U.S. release on August 29, 2025, and international releases starting August 27.
Is it a remake of the 1989 film?
Yes, it’s a reimagining of The War of the Roses, based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel, but with a modern focus on career ambition and gender dynamics.
Who stars in The Roses?
Olivia Colman plays Ivy, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Theo, with Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and more in supporting roles.
Why is it rated R?
The film contains strong language, including nearly 75 f-words and four c-words, plus mature themes like marital conflict and references to suicide.
Where can I watch it?
In theaters now via Fandango or BookMyShow. DVD/Blu-ray is expected in October 2025; streaming details are TBD.
How long is the movie?
It runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
What are critics saying?
Mixed reviews: 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praise Colman and Cumberbatch but note tonal inconsistencies and a less daring tone than the original.
Is it suitable for all audiences?
No, its dark humor, aggressive language, and heavy themes may be triggering for some viewers.
Will it be an awards contender?
It’s a potential contender for acting and screenplay awards, but mixed reviews may limit its chances for major categories.

Conclusion 🎬

The Roses (2025) is a bold, witty, and emotionally charged reimagining of a classic tale of marital chaos. Released on August 29, 2025, it stars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in a tourburgois performance that’s both hilarious and heartbreaking. While critics are divided, with a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film’s sharp dialogue, stunning visuals, and A-list cast make it a compelling watch for fans of dark comedy. Whether you’re drawn to its modern take on ambition and resentment or its chaotic humor, The Roses offers a unique cinematic experience. Grab your tickets and dive into this wild ride at your local theater

Disclaimer ⚠️

This blog post is based on reviews and information available as of August 29, 2025, and reflects the critical and audience reception at the time. Opinions and availability may change. Always check the latest reviews and showtimes for the most current information. The author is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes in the film’s reception or availability.

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