The Roses (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Searchlight Pictures’ The Roses (2025), directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, revisits Warren Adler’s classic tale of marital warfare. This isn’t a direct remake of The War of the Roses (1989), but rather a modernized reimagining, blending biting wit, British humor, and emotional weight.
At the heart of the story are Theo and Ivy Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman), a seemingly perfect couple whose lives unravel when professional ambitions, personal resentments, and suppressed competition boil over. The result? A comedy-drama that swings between romance, satire, and moments of surprisingly dark humor.
The Plot: Love, Resentment, and Explosive Chemistry
On the surface, Theo and Ivy Rose have it all: successful careers, children, and the enviable life of an affluent family. But when Theo’s architectural dreams collapse and Ivy’s culinary empire takes off, the balance shifts. Their marriage becomes a battlefield of egos.
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Theo (Cumberbatch): Once the breadwinner, now a stay-at-home dad, struggling with validation.
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Ivy (Colman): A gifted chef turned culinary superstar, thriving professionally but feeling distanced from her family.
As their ambitions clash, playful banter escalates into verbal sparring and eventually into chaotic, often absurd battles. Much of the comedic energy is packed into the film’s final act, where the Roses’ marital breakdown becomes both hilarious and uncomfortably raw.
Performances: Cumberbatch and Colman at Their Sharpest
The undeniable highlight of The Roses is the electric chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman.
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Olivia Colman delivers her trademark blend of dry wit and emotional depth. She embodies Ivy as both sympathetic and ruthless.
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Benedict Cumberbatch surprises as a reserved yet sharp romantic comedy presence. His Theo is fragile, egotistical, yet strangely endearing.
Supporting players like Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg bring comic relief as the Roses’ quirky friends, though some critics feel their sketch-like humor clashes with the central narrative. Still, their presence adds levity to darker turns in the story.
Writing & Direction: McNamara’s Wit Meets Roach’s Balancing Act
Screenwriter Tony McNamara (known for Poor Things and The Favourite) brings whip-smart dialogue, psychological barbs, and therapy-session one-liners that keep conversations sharp and memorable.
Director Jay Roach, meanwhile, walks a fine line between comedy and darkness. Some viewers feel the film never fully commits to the bleak absurdity of the 1989 adaptation, but instead plays it safer with likability. Still, Roach succeeds in presenting a film that is both accessible and thought-provoking, without being too heavy.
Humor and Darkness: A Divisive Tonal Mix
The Roses isn’t afraid to be funny, often leaning into dry, British-inflected humor. Many viewers laughed out loud at its witty exchanges, absurd set pieces, and darkly ironic soundtrack choices (from Happy Together to Napalm Death).
Yet, not everyone will appreciate its darker elements. The third act pushes the marital warfare into unexpectedly cruel and disturbing territory. Some found it refreshing and bold; others felt it clashed with the earlier comedic tone.
In short, The Roses is not a lighthearted rom-com—it’s a satire on love, ego, and the absurd ways we hurt those we claim to love.
Audience Reactions: Love It or Hate It
Early reactions from audiences and critics have been mixed but passionate:
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Many praised the dialogue and the natural chemistry between the leads.
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Some found the ending too rushed, with tonal whiplash.
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Others loved the bold, dark humor, calling it one of the funniest yet rawest films of the year.
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A few disliked its uneven pacing, saying it didn’t fully commit to either comedy or tragedy.
What’s clear is that The Roses sparks strong opinions—making it the kind of film people debate long after leaving the theater.
Where to Watch The Roses (2025) Online
As of writing (August 31, 2025), The Roses is not yet available for streaming or digital rental in the U.S.
Currently, the film is only showing in theaters. However, based on Searchlight Pictures’ release strategy, here’s what to expect:
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Likely Streaming Platforms (predicted):
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Hulu (since Searchlight is under Disney, many of their releases debut here).
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Disney+ (Hulu on Disney+ bundle) could also carry it for subscribers.
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Max or Amazon Prime Video may eventually host it for licensing windows.
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Rental/Purchase (once released):
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Amazon Prime Video
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Apple TV/iTunes
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Google TV / YouTube Movies
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Vudu
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To stay updated on availability, check JustWatch’s dedicated page for The Roses.
For official updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content, visit the Searchlight Pictures official website.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Roses?
The Roses (2025) is a sharp, witty, and sometimes unsettling exploration of love, resentment, and the fine line between passion and destruction. With powerhouse performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, it delivers both laughs and gut-punch moments.
It won’t please everyone—some will find it too dark, others not dark enough. But for audiences craving a smart, dialogue-driven dramedy with biting wit and emotional honesty, The Roses is worth the ticket.
The Roses may not yet be streaming, but it’s one of 2025’s most talked-about films for a reason. Whether you love it or hate it, it provokes strong reactions—something rare in today’s safer romantic comedies.
If you enjoy dark comedies, brilliant performances, and stories that mix love with chaos, make sure to catch The Roses in theaters now—and bookmark its JustWatch page to know exactly when it hits streaming.
And don’t forget to check out the official Searchlight Pictures page for trailers and updates.
Until then, brace yourself: marriage has never been this hilariously destructive.
