Imagine a marriage unraveling in the most delightfully disastrous ways—think witty insults flying like confetti at a wedding gone wrong. But here's where it gets controversial: is this dark comedy glorifying toxic relationships, or just brilliantly exposing the chaos of love's darker side? Keep reading to explore why Benedict Cumberbatch's latest film might spark heated debates over dinner tables everywhere.
Oh, the timeless appeal of cinematic tales that dissect the crumbling bonds of matrimony between partners who, let's face it, were perhaps never truly meant to be. This isn't just any rom-com flop—it's part of a genre that once raked in box office gold through adult-oriented dramedies, much like the one we're diving into today with "The Roses." Drawing from Warren Adler's classic novel "The War of the Roses," this modern reimagining—directed by the masterful Jay Roach—builds on the 1989 film starring Danny DeVito. As a quieter release this year, it's been hailed by /Film's Ethan Anderton as "a devilishly hilarious dark comedy" in his glowing review (available at https://www.slashfilm.com/1949270/the-roses-review-benedict-cumberbatch-olivia-colman/). Picture two elite theater veterans, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, trading sharp, cutting jabs with effortless cruelty, all for our guilty pleasure. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just funny—it's a mirror reflecting the absurd pain of real-life breakups.
After a solid theatrical run grossing around $50 million globally, "The Roses" is ready to bloom in your living room. With Cumberbatch as Theo Rose and Colman as Ivy Rose, the plot tracks this supposedly blissful couple and their children through life's relentless curveballs. If you've even glanced at the original book or DeVito's movie, you know the storm is brewing, leading to that inevitable, explosive showdown.
Searchlight Pictures has unveiled that the movie hits digital platforms for purchase or rental on October 21, 2025, via major retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. For fans craving a fuller experience, physical editions arrive on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 25, 2025—perfect timing for Thanksgiving gatherings. Check out the fresh TV spot embedded below to get a taste.
The Roses' home release includes featurettes, a gag reel, and more bonus features
Searchlight Pictures
Credit goes to comedic genius Jay Roach and screenwriter extraordinaire Tony McNamara (known for hits like "The Favourite," "The Great," and "Poor Things") for rejuvenating this notorious marital meltdown with fresh flair. Beyond Cumberbatch and Colman, the ensemble shines with stars such as Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, former "Doctor Who" talent Ncuti Gatwa (learn why he departed the show at https://www.slashfilm.com/1912618/why-ncuti-gatwa-left-doctor-who/), Sunita Mani, the incomparable Allison Janney, and a host of others. While it diverges from the 1989 version, as Roach shared in an exclusive /Film chat (read it here: https://www.slashfilm.com/1953583/what-separates-the-roses-from-the-war-of-the-roses-director-exclusive-interview/), devotees will relish the updates.
Whether you saw it on the big screen or are just now tuning in, "The Roses" comes with extras on digital and physical formats to extend the fun. Dive into:
Gag Reel
Featurettes:
- A House To Fight For – Step inside the heart of the Roses' world, where elegance meets enmity. Witness the building of their dream home, insights from the designer and crew on their creative vision, and how the actors joked about smuggling props home as souvenirs.
- The Roses: An Inside Look – Get the scoop from the cast and team on crafting this gem. Discover the actors' on-screen synergy, and revel in the grounded, satirical British humor that only Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can deliver so effortlessly.
- Comedy Gold – With Jay Roach at the helm and Tony McNamara's clever scripts, this all-star comedy lineup nails every punchline. Even Olivia Colman was amazed, quipping, "How the F did we get them?"
But here's the real controversy: Does this film normalize the ugliness of divorce, or is it a cathartic way to laugh at life's messier truths? And this is the part most people miss—perhaps it's both, challenging us to question our own relationships. What do you think? Do you see it as harmless fun or a deeper critique? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree with this take, or is there a counterpoint I'm overlooking? Let's start a conversation!
