India Today praises The Roses as a biting, darkly comic film that captures the messy terrain of modern marriages. At its heart are Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, whose crackling chemistry anchors the story of Ivy and Theo Rose a couple navigating ambition, disappointment and eroding intimacy.
Director Jay Roach, along with writer Tony McNamara, delivers a narrative that’s as smart as it is cutting. The film unpacks how success, failure and gender roles reshape a long-term relationship. Theo, once a celebrated architect, faces professional ruin, while Ivy transitions from homemaker to culinary star.
What stands out is the film’s sharp sarcasm. From therapy sessions to lunch invitations, no emotional moment escapes scathing wit. There’s a memorable dinner-table scene with supporting cast members Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Ncuti Gatwa that serves as both comic highlight and emotional core.
Yet, amid the laughs, The Roses doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak of unmet expectations. Ivy and Theo remain stubbornly self-righteous, refusing to admit their faults even as they resent and mock each other. By reversing traditional roles, the film explores how ambition and gender evolve and how love doesn’t always survive success.
At 1 hour and 45 minutes, it’s paced for both reflection and escapism. Its humour feels very British sharp, layered and absurd but it also doesn’t lose sight of the emotional weight of its characters’ journey. For those who enjoy dark satire with heart, The Roses is an absolute weekend watch.
