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In 1981, American author and playwright Warren Adler published a novel titled The War of the Roses: a dark comedy about an unhappy married couple who find themselves in a massive tangle, trying to drive each other insane to win their house in a rather nasty divorce settlement. In 1989, the novel was adapted for the silver screen, starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito (also the director). While that particular film featured Danny DeVito's iconic, entertaining touch of mischievous mayhem, the lack of any redeeming qualities in the main characters (though understandable) made it less than enjoyable, at least for me. While I cannot speak to the accuracy of the source material (or lack thereof), I can speak to the film on its own merits, and can happily say that, while I am glad I saw it, I can live a long and fulfilled life never needing to see it again.
The brand-new adaptation of the same story, released this year, starring two of Britain's best talents and directed by Jay Roach (late of Meet the Parents and Trumbo), is a film I can happily watch over and over again for the rest of my life. This film not only surpasses the original adaptation (at least for me), but it is also a bundle of endless entertainment, with wit, charm, and just enough crassness to make you wonder how far they might go. Topped off with characters who actually have some redeeming qualities that make you want to see them overcome their own obstacles. Love never hurt so much!
The story follows a married couple, Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch), an aspiring architect, and Ivy (Olivia Colman), a professional chef. While they enjoy a happy marriage with two kids, their worlds turn upside down when, on one stormy night, Theo's dreams of becoming a success are savagely dashed, while Ivy's dreams and aspirations are thriving. As they navigate their new situations, they slowly begin to resent each other, only to find themselves getting closer at the same time. As their lives take unexpected turns and their feelings for each other go through some massive growing pains, you can't help but hope for the best for them both. Even when you think you probably shouldn't, which only makes the whole situation funnier than you might have expected.
According to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), this iteration of the story is a "reimagining," meaning it takes the general idea presented in the source material and deliberately changes some things and adjusts specific elements to tell the story differently. Some films have done this to horrendous effect, e.g., Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes and Zach Snyder's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. In contrast, others have used the method to extraordinary and memorable effect, such as Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
The Roses presents a relationship that feels tangible, believable, and enjoyably silly. These are two people who have a genuine connection and a mutual understanding of each other's strangeness, making them a better fit for each other than anyone might have thought possible. This makes their eventual struggle against each other feel more like the antagonistic conflict it should be. Again, while the filmmakers have made it clear that The Roses isn't a straight-up remake of the previous adaptation, my comparisons are to the previous film, not to the original novel directly.
This relatable relationship is brought to life exceptionally well by the talented cast and their remarkable chemistry. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are like constant fireworks together; every moment they're on screen (either together or separate) oozes amazing energy that you cannot stop watching, nor do you want to.
Their chemistry is also helped exponentially by the script, which is beautifully structured and loaded with clever dialogue that just sings in this film!
The Roses is a delightful take on a classic idea that delivers much more than one might expect. It's funny, dramatic, unexpected, a little weird, and entirely delightful. My only regret is that I did not see this when it was playing in theaters.
Absolutely give this one a watch!
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
