When marriages fall apart, divorce is ever so near. For “The Roses,” real estate is of the utmost importance, as the couple would essentially die for their home. Generally, comedy movies are hit or miss, but in this case, “The Roses” takes a twist on comedy and incorporates a serious tone to it, hitting the mark on what a dark comedy film should be.
Loosely adapted from the 1989 movie, “The War of the Roses,” “The Roses” celebrated its release on Aug. 29. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Doctor Strange”) and Olivia Colman (“The Crown”), the film is full of vulgar comedy, not often seen from the co-stars. Featuring a star-studded cast, “The Roses”, directed by Jay Roach, delivers a ridiculously funny film that makes viewers rethink their relationship decisions.
Set in Northern California, English couple Theo Rose (Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Colman) appear as a perfect couple throughout the beginning of their marriage. As Theo experiences a downfall in his architecture business, Ivy’s own business thrives, leading to arguments, disagreements and highlighted differences. Running for an hour and 45 minutes and rated R, the film follows the two as they go down the rabbit hole of marriage.
A main aspect of “The Roses” is the excessive amount of raunchy jokes throughout the movie. While many comedy movies fail to connect to a wider audience’s humor, the film combines adult humor and sarcasm, resonating with different generations. One bold example is when Ivy and Theo invite their friends over for dinner. Amy (Kate McKinnon) continuously and unapologetically flirts with both Theo and Ivy, calling her ‘baby girl’ and lingering too long on Theo, despite her marriage to Barry (Andy Samberg).
Aside from the comedy, the movie questions what marriage is really like. After switching the gender norms between the couple, they begin to build hatred for one another, almost literally, killing each other. After spending several years together, getting annoyed is understandable, but the movie feels a little too bizarre when it comes to divorce. The overly satirical relationship makes the audience question whether marriage is worth the hatred that comes with it.
The film also shows the experience of Theo and Ivy’s kids, Hattie and Roy, as their parents go through the divorce process. As they grow up, the kids become more and more aware of Theo and Ivy’s rocky relationship. Showing the transition from children to athletic teenagers, the film does a good job showing how divorce affects the lives of children involved, with the kids growing out of their carefree, oblivious younger selves.
Despite showing an exaggerated, unfortunate side of marriage, the film is unconditionally human and delivers a radiant example of what a comedy movie should be. The comedy is pure and sarcastic, while still showing the audience different types of connections in the real world. Experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions is the reality of the movie theater, and “The Roses” delivers exactly that.
3 roses out of 5
