Benedict Cumberbatch is stepping into uncharted territory with his latest role in the dark comedy The Roses, where he plays a character unlike any he has portrayed before. The film, inspired by Warren Adler‘s anti-romance novel The War of the Roses, features Cumberbatch alongside Olivia Colman, who plays his wife Ivy. The actor expressed his desire to challenge himself creatively, stating, “I try to sort of scare myself a little bit with the new.”
This project has been a long time in the making, and Cumberbatch is particularly excited about collaborating with Colman, a close friend. He notes the significance of trying something fresh, saying, “Both of those things are good and new and fresh.”
In The Roses, Cumberbatch’s character, Theo Rose, contrasts sharply with his previous roles. He describes Theo as “very emotionally intuitive,” detailing a character who is impulsive and pragmatic, embodying “a great depth of love and hurt and pain and hatred.” He adds, “He’s a good dresser, and he’s quite well groomed,” highlighting the character’s multifaceted personality.
The narrative follows Theo and Ivy as they navigate the complexities of married life while juggling their careers as an architect and a chef. As Ivy’s crab shack thrives, Theo faces setbacks in his professional endeavors. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon as their friends Barry and Amy, along with Ncuti Gatwa and Zoe Chao.
Jay Roach’s Vision for a Modern Take
Jay Roach directs the film based on a script by Tony McNamara. Initially hesitant about remaking the classic 1989 film The War of the Roses, which starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, Roach reflected on the original’s perfection. He stated, “When they brought it to me, I thought, ‘I don’t want to make a remake because it’s also a perfect film. Why would you bother?’”
However, discussions with Cumberbatch and Colman led to a different vision for the story. Roach aimed to create a film that delves deeper into the nature of marriage, emphasizing its verbal brilliance. He remarked, “I’m such a hypocrite. I’ll get into a fight over something that my wife has done, that my wife very rightly points out, ‘You know you were just doing that exact same thing.’”
Roach believes the film resonates with audiences because it captures the universal struggles of romance and relationships. He noted that both characters navigate their egos and careers, leading to moments of conflict and introspection. “They’re both guilty, but they’re doing the best that they can,” he added, underscoring the human aspect of the story.
As anticipation builds for The Roses, Cumberbatch’s willingness to embrace a new and challenging role signifies an exciting chapter in his career. The film, set to explore themes of love, conflict, and personal growth, promises to be a compelling addition to the dark comedy genre.
