The Roses is a fine example of how two fantastic comedic leads can elevate material that might not fully deserve them and how a movie can still stumble when its supporting cast and pacing can’t keep up.
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Phoenician Scheme) once again proves that he has tremendous range and that his talent extends far beyond the brooding genius roles he’s known for. Here, he loosens up, showing off a natural comedic timing that feels both surprising and effortless. Opposite him, the always terrific Olivia Colman (Hot Fuzz) delivers the kind of performance that reminds you why she’s one of the best in the business. She can balance sincerity and absurdity within a single line reading, grounding even the wackiest moments with her dry wit and emotional precision. Together, they form a duo that is a joy to watch, their chemistry carrying the film through its shakier patches.
L-R: Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose and Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose in THE ROSES. Photo Credit: Jaap Buitendijk, Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
The story itself is fine enough to pass the time, though it never quite becomes as sharp or memorable as its leads deserve. It plays out like a mid-tier British dark comedy that can’t decide whether it wants to be heartfelt or biting satire. The pacing sputters at several points, especially in the second act, when the film feels like it’s spinning its wheels instead of deepening its themes or relationships. There are stretches where you find yourself wondering, “Wait, what happened to the story?”. It’s not that the plot completely falls apart, it just loses momentum, which is a shame considering how engaging Cumberbatch and Colman are when the film is actually firing on all cylinders.
L-R: Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose and Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose in THE ROSES. Photo Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Then there’s the supporting cast. The inclusion of Andy Samberg (Brigsby Bear) and Kate McKinnon (DC League of Super-Pets) feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, both are reliably funny and bring their trademark energy to the screen. On the other, their roles feel like afterthoughts, little more than flashy cameos meant to inject some American star power. It’s as if the casting department wanted to show off by saying, “Look who we got!” instead of actually giving them anything meaningful to do. Their characters never quite blend into the movie’s tone; they hover around the edges like guests at a party who didn’t get the memo about the dress code. Both Samberg and McKinnon have moments where you can see glimpses of the brilliance that made them household names, but here, they’re reduced to background noise in a film that never quite figures out what to do with them.
If The Roses had trusted its core, the dynamic between Cumberbatch and Colman, it could have been something truly special. The film works best when it leans into their bickering, their awkward tenderness, and the subtle chaos of two flawed people trying to make sense of their shared madness. Those scenes pop with energy and wit, reminding you of screwball comedies from decades past. You can’t help but imagine what might have been if the entire movie had centered more tightly around their relationship instead of drifting into subplots that go nowhere.
L-R: Director Jay Roach with actors Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch on the set of THE ROSES. Photo Credit: Jaap Buitendijk, Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
he special features on The Roses take viewers inside the deeper metaphors surrounding what the house represents within the film, offering an insightful look at its symbolic center. The featurettes “A House to Fight For” and “The Roses: An Inside Look” both provide a fascinating deep dive into the movie’s themes and production. Two blooper reels, “Bloopers” and “Comedy Gold” add a lighter touch, reminding us that if the film had fully trusted its leads, it could have been something truly special. “Comedy Gold” also highlights the cast and crew’s appreciation for the screenplay’s sharp humor and style. Altogether, the digital copy of The Roses soars thanks to its thoughtful and entertaining special features.
L-R: Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose and Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose in THE ROSES. Photo Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
In the end, The Roses is a genuine attempt at a remake that just gets tangled up in its own cleverness. It’s not a disaster by any means; there’s plenty to enjoy, especially if you’re a fan of the leads. But it never rises to the level it could have. For every moment of brilliance, there’s another that feels flat or unnecessary. Still, it’s worth watching for Cumberbatch and Colman alone, who manage to make even the weakest scenes sing. Had the film kept the focus on them and trimmed the excess, it might have been the sharp, witty comedy we’ve all been waiting for. Instead, it settles for being good when it had the potential to be great.
The Roses Special Features:
- Gag Reel
- A House to Fight For – A behind-the-front-door look at the epicenter of both beauty and acrimony. See the construction of the Roses’ home, hear from the designer and the filmmakers on their vision, and discover the actors’ wish to take everything from the house home with them.
- The Roses: An Inside Look – Hear from the cast and filmmakers about making The Roses. Learn about the actors’ connection and chemistry, and join the grounded, satirical, British, wry wit that only Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can pull off.
- Comedy Gold – This cast is stacked with comedy talent bringing Tony McNamara’s witty dialogue to life with Jay Roach directing. Even Olivia Colman had to ask about this special cast, “How the F did we get them?
Available on digital October 21st, 2025.
Available on Disney+ and Hulu November 20th, 2025.
Available on Blu-ray November 25th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Searchlight Pictures The Roses webpage.
Final Score: 3 out of 5.
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Categories: Home Video, Reviews, streaming
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