Cumberbatch, Colman turn a broken marriage into a dark comedy in ‘The Roses’

CEBU, Philippines — There are reasons why a relationship takes a while to end. In the case of the titular Roses couple, played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, it’s simply because they are too narcissistic to end their marriage. This leads to their children and friends witnessing their open hostility in a satirical case study of how ego plays a huge part in relationships — not so pleasant for the characters, but hilarious for viewers.

“The Roses” was based on the 1981 novel “The War of the Roses,” which was later adapted into a 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara’s remake is more of a reimagining, with lead characters distinct from those in the earlier works.

British couple Theo and Ivy Rose have a dream marriage that people would envy, raising two children together in California after first hooking up 10 years prior in their home country. Theo works as an architect on a naval history museum with a unique structure, while Ivy goes from being a stay-at-home mom to running a restaurant that barely has any customers.

Things change for the couple one stormy evening when Theo’s hard work is destroyed, and its downfall becomes a viral punchline that leads to his termination. Meanwhile, people take shelter from the inclement weather at Ivy’s restaurant, including a food critic who leaves a positive review that opens new opportunities for her.

With Theo forced into becoming a stay-at-home dad and Ivy turning her restaurant into a franchise, resentment begins to brew between the two, fueled by their disagreements on raising their children.

As the couple attempts to make amends by spending time together, their contempt only grows deeper. What starts as casually throwing insults escalates into cartoonishly violent exchanges as the film reaches its climax.

With Roach known for his comedy-dramas like “Meet the Parents” and McNamara for penning Emma Stone’s “The Favourite,” “Cruella,” and “Poor Things,” one thing they share is their ability to let characters drive the story. Their collaboration results in a deconstructed view of how familiarity can breed contempt in a relationship. But even solid writing and direction only go so far if the leads don’t actually have chemistry.

It’s tricky to depict a toxic relationship on-screen with a comedic tone. Thankfully, Cumberbatch and Colman’s performances and their chemistry make the mean-spirited jokes land, aiming for laughs rather than groans. Their signature British dry wit underscores the film’s exploration of egoistic tendencies that are destructive to relationships.

The supporting cast also contributes to the film’s charm. “Saturday Night Live” veterans Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon play Barry and Amy, a married couple who are friends with the Roses. Samberg packs a lot of punch in his few scenes, while McKinnon delivers plenty of laughs as the sexually open friend who flirts with both Theo and Ivy — sometimes right in front of Barry. Zoë Chao also stands out as their oblivious friend Sally, who mistakes Theo and Ivy’s contempt as typical banter between the British couple.

“The Roses” shows plenty of promise in its premise, but it’s clear that much of its strength relies on the cast’s performances, especially its British leads. The film leaves you pondering why toxic relationships take so long to collapse, or perhaps whether these destructive tendencies mean the relationship is, in some twisted way, meant to be. That’s for you to find out. Four stars out of five.