The Roses captivated me in such a way that I’ll be giving it an A unquestionably. This modern take on the classic divorce comedy premise brings fresh energy to familiar territory, though it faces the inevitable comparison to Danny DeVito’s 1989 War of the Roses.

While Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman make a formidable pair, I have to admit they didn’t quite match the raw chemistry of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas from the original. Those two had passion that practically burned through the screen. Cumberbatch and Colman excel at delivering cutting insults and sharp dialogue, but I didn’t feel that same intense connection that made you believe these people once loved each other desperately.

Join the PERA (Personal Entertainment Research Assistant) waitlist.

The World’s Most Indispensable Movie App

The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.

As seen on

Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)

     

Read more about the RunPee app.

That said, if you can set aside comparisons to the Turner-Douglas classic, The Roses stands beautifully on its own. The comedy hits consistently throughout, with clever wordplay and perfectly timed moments that never feel forced. The script builds genuine laughs rather than going for cheap shots, and the pacing never lets up. I was smiling from beginning to end, which is exactly what you want from a film like this.

While divorce comedies often rely on escalating absurdity, The Roses finds its strength in grounded performances and sharp wit. Both leads bring depth to what could have been one-dimensional characters, making their verbal sparring matches feel authentic rather than theatrical.If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, give The Roses some of your time and they’ll reward you with a fun two hours.

If you enjoyed this, you might also appreciate other sophisticated relationship comedies like Marriage Story or The Squid and the Whale.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Grade: A

About The Peetimes: There are 2 Peetimes to choose from. They both contain humor, which is most of the movie so it was hard to avoid. I tried my best.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of The Roses.

What people are saying
about the RunPee app.

Kyritame2, 09/06/2021

Single best investment

By and far best investment Ive made. I used to drive my husband nuts because Id be a fidgeting mess the last half hour of the movie trying not to miss important parts. Now I just turn this app on and *bam* I can actually focus on the movie the whole time. Even puts alerts to my watch so even better. Also I can guarentee all the 5 reviews arent fake as one person accused – its just that so many of us movie-goers had the same problem and this fixed it. Yes, it is paid but jeeze its expensive to keep watching movies and updating an app for every movie. And if you read more about the creator he mentions he has several people contributing – so yeah its paid but omg worth every cent. 10/10

Developers note: the RunPee app is now, and always will be, 100% free. Donations are optional.

View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store

Download RunPee app

     

Plot
A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband’s professional dreams come crashing down.