Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch star in the upcoming dark comedy “The Roses.” The film is a modern reimagining of the 1989 classic “The War of the Roses.”
Colman plays Ivy, a chef whose career takes off, while Cumberbatch portrays Theo, an architect who loses his job. The couple’s picture-perfect life unravels as their careers go in opposite directions. As resentment grows between them, Ivy and Theo engage in increasingly malicious plots against each other.
The trailer shows a tense moment where Ivy points a gun at Theo. Director Jay Roach aims to strike a balance between reality and comedy in the film.
Trailer showcases Ivy and Theo’s conflict
“There’s a reality to it and a groundedness to it and a very relatable predicament that I think this couple gets caught up in,” Roach says. “But when it turns, when it goes in the opposite direction, it can be extremely painful. And one enjoyable way to acknowledge that is through humor.”
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Screenwriter Tony McNamara, known for his wit and keen observational humor, reimagined the story from Warren Adler’s 1981 novel. Cumberbatch praises Colman’s versatility and emotional depth, saying, “Olivia is as good on the first take as she would be on the 40th… She has a lot of vulnerability for someone who’s the funniest person in the room.”
“The Roses” is set to premiere in theaters on August 29. The film promises to be a poignant portrayal of love, conflict, and humorous resilience, offering universal themes that will resonate with audiences.