The Roses Scores “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, Starring Cumberbatch & Colman

 August 27, 2025 — The Roses, the much-anticipated dark comedy remake of The War of the Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, has received a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 63% from 49 critic reviews .

Directed by Jay Roach and penned by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tony McNamara, this contemporary reimagining relocates the bitter marital battle from the original’s setting to a wealthy Californian suburb, focusing on Ivy (Colman), a rising restaurateur, and Theo (Cumberbatch), a once-successful architect whose career has collapsed .

Critics’ Reactions: Divided Yet Intriguing

Reviews on The Roses span a wide spectrum:

The Times (UK) praises the film’s tone, likening it to Marriage Story, applauding the chemistry and depth brought by Colman and Cumberbatch .

In contrast, The Guardian criticizes the film’s emotional arc for lacking authenticity, despite its polished aesthetic .

The Daily Beast is harsher still, arguing that the remake fails to justify itself, citing weak writing and direction as key weaknesses .

Behind the Scenes

Actress Sunita Mani, who appears as Jane, a server and inner-circle confidante at Ivy’s restaurant, describes the set atmosphere as warm and improvisational. She credits that environment—buoyed by the presence of Stars like Colman and Ncuti Gatwa—for helping her overcome imposter syndrome and thrive creatively on set .

Plus, in a lighthearted “Off the Cuff” promotional segment, the lead duo delighted audiences with anecdotes ranging from karaoke selections to amusing on-set injuries — reinforcing the camaraderie and off-screen charm that helped bring The Roses to life .

Release & Where to See It

The Roses opens wide in U.S. theaters on August 29, 2025, and in the U.K. beginning September 1 .

As of now, there's no official word on streaming or digital availability. Keep an eye on platforms like Searchlight Pictures—likely to announce when options like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or similar services will host the film.

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TL;DR

Film The Roses

Score 63% “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes

Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman

Tone Dark-comic remake of The War of the Roses, modernized

Critics' Views Praise for performances; mixed reactions on tone and emotional depth

Theatrical Release U.S. — August 29, 2025; U.K. — September 1, 2025

Watchability Cinema only—for now. Streaming availability TBD