THE ROSES (2025) – A Promising Pairing That Stumbles on Familiar Ground

Pairing Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman in a light-hearted romantic comedy sounds like a surefire recipe for cinematic delight, and at first glance, The Roses seems set to deliver just that. The film introduces us to Theo (Cumberbatch), an accomplished architect, and Ivy (Colman), an aspiring professional cook, who begin as an enviably harmonious couple. Yet, the narrative soon takes a familiar detour: Theo’s unexpected job loss coincides with the ascent of Ivy’s culinary ambitions, sending their partnership into a tailspin. The result is reminiscent of the oft-recycled “A Star Is Born” dynamic, this time served without the music.

From its opening moments, the film fires off a volley of sharp, well-timed quips, with Cumberbatch and Colman trading barbs laced with quintessentially dry British wit. Their comedic chemistry is undeniable, imbuing the early scenes with an effortless sophistication. However, the relentless stream of verbal jousting gradually becomes repetitive, leaving the viewer weary and longing for emotional depth. Over time, the leads risk slipping into self-parody, with the authenticity of their relationship dissolving in the process.

The Roses is far from a cinematic misstep—watching Cumberbatch and Colman spar and sparkle is worth the price of admission alone. Their dynamic is consistently entertaining, and their performances elevate the material whenever possible. The film’s core weakness, however, lies in a narrative that fails to match the prowess of its stars. The plot recycles well-trodden territory without offering fresh insight or resonance, and the film’s unconventional closing punchline lands with more confusion than comedic bite. If the intent was a sly foray into dark humour, it ultimately renders the preceding story oddly inconsequential.

While The Roses never fully blooms, it’s a testament to its leads that the film retains a sense of charm and wit, even as the script stumbles. For fans of Cumberbatch and Colman, there’s undeniable pleasure in simply watching them share the screen—just don’t expect this comedy to blossom into something truly original.