The Roses is a comedy-drama directed by Jay Roach, with a witty script by Tony McNamara. Released on 29 August 2025, the movie has already gained attention for its sharp humor, clever dialogues, and a strong star cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, the film manages to balance comedy and emotion, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The movie is produced by Searchlight Pictures along with SunnyMarch and South of the River Pictures, which gives it the perfect blend of independent creativity and mainstream charm.
Story and Writing
The story of The Roses revolves around an eccentric family navigating love, jealousy, and hidden insecurities. Written by Tony McNamara, who is known for his witty and biting dialogues, the script mixes absurd comedy with a layer of emotional drama. The humor often feels sharp, satirical, and very modern, while the emotional beats hit at the right time.
The movie’s narrative explores how family dynamics can be both hilarious and heartbreaking. There are moments where the comedy feels exaggerated, but that is exactly what makes it unique.
Acting Performances
The performances in The Roses are one of the film’s strongest points.
- Benedict Cumberbatch brings his usual charm and wit, playing a character who is both self-aware and slightly ridiculous. His comic timing is excellent, and he knows how to balance humor with subtle emotional depth.
- Olivia Colman once again proves why she is one of the best actors working today. She plays her role with natural ease, switching from serious to funny within seconds. Her presence adds warmth and relatability to the story.
- Andy Samberg adds a refreshing dose of lighthearted comedy. His goofy yet lovable personality perfectly fits into the film’s tone.
- Allison Janney and Belinda Bromilow bring sophistication and sharpness, while Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa give the younger cast energy and charm.
- Jamie Demetriou stands out with his deadpan humor and quirky style.
Overall, the ensemble cast works together brilliantly, making each scene lively and engaging.
Direction and Cinematography
Jay Roach, known for films that mix humor with drama, handles The Roses with confidence. He gives enough space for each actor to shine while keeping the story moving at a smooth pace. The direction ensures that the film doesn’t become too heavy or too silly—it balances on that fine line of comedy-drama perfectly.
The cinematography by Florian Hoffmeister is elegant and stylish. Bright colors and carefully framed shots reflect the chaos and charm of the family’s life. The visuals give the film a polished and modern look without losing its emotional heart.
Music and Technical Aspects
The background score supports the mood of the film, shifting between playful tunes for comic moments and softer music for emotional ones. The editing is crisp, keeping the runtime under two hours and making the film easy to watch without dragging.
Costume design and set design also deserve a mention. The film uses colorful, vibrant outfits and stylish interiors to reflect the quirky personalities of its characters.
Entertainment Value
The Roses is not just a comedy—it’s also about relationships, insecurities, and the struggles of balancing love with ambition. The humor will make you laugh, but the emotions will make you reflect. Some jokes may feel too sharp for everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy witty and clever dialogue-driven films, this one is a treat.
The film is neither a slapstick comedy nor a heavy drama. Instead, it sits comfortably in the middle, giving the audience both fun and feelings in equal measure.
Should You Watch The Roses?
Yes, definitely! If you enjoy clever comedy mixed with drama, The Roses is worth your time. The star-studded cast delivers excellent performances, the writing is witty and modern, and the direction keeps the film entertaining throughout.
This is not a typical family comedy—it is more sophisticated, with layered humor and emotional depth. If you liked films like The Favourite or sharp comedy-dramas from Searchlight Pictures, you will enjoy The Roses.
However, if you prefer simple, lighthearted humor with no deeper meaning, the film may feel too sharp or dialogue-heavy at times.
In short: The Roses is funny, smart, and emotional. It is a film that uses comedy to highlight human flaws, making it both entertaining and meaningful.
