The Roses

A movie review by Alex First

 The phrase all is fair in love and war is attributed to a book on wit by English author John Lyly in 1579.

Clearly, acerbic couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) have taken that to heart.

This is a reimaging of The War of the Roses (1998), which, too, was based on a novel by Warren Adler and featured Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.

In London, Theo is a talented and creative architect, while Ivy is an equally gifted and imaginative chef.

The pair gets together unexpectedly when Theo seeks time out after expressing disgust as his boss’ final choice of design on new, multi-level accommodation.

Ivy and Theo’s witty repartee sees them connect instantly and move to Northern California.

A decade later, with two children in tow, they still seem very much in love.

Theo has designed a game-changing museum with a nautical theme, while Ivy’s gastronomic delights are simply in home these days.

That is when Theo gifts Ivy a chance to open her own casual dining restaurant.

So, she started a seafood bistro, We’ve Got Crabs!

While business is slow (barely existent actually), a fierce storm sees Theo’s career vanish in an instant and the trajectory of their lives change markedly.

Theo has become a laughing stock, while a gushing, high-profile food review suddenly sees Ivy’s business flourishing and new opportunities aplenty for her.

She becomes the sole breadwinner and Theo a house husband, bringing up the kids.

Much to Ivy’s chagrin he builds in the children a zealot’s commitment to health, fitness and nutrition. She, on the other hand, has a relaxed attitude to sugar treats for the youngsters.

As her time away from home skyrockets, Ivy and Theo argue more and they drift apart.

Their friends can see it, so too the children, but for a long time they deny it, until their differences explode into outright war, which is set to blow up their marriage.

If all comes to a head after Ivy gives Theo the go-ahead to design his dream home.

Caustic writing and wickedly clever acting are the hallmarks of this compelling, satirical dark comedy.

Tony McNamara, the writer behind Oscar winners Poor Things, Cruella and The Favourite, has again woven his magic with umpteen pithy one liners.

It is funny stuff, indeed, as Ivy and Theo spar with one another and in front of astonished friends.

Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch are undoubtedly two of the finest actors going around.

Their interactions and razor-sharp timing in the delivery of the priceless dialogue is magnificent.

Around them is a talented cast, led by Kate McKinnon as Amy, the wife of Theo’s best friend, real estate lawyer Barry (Andy Samberg).

In a deliberately awkward display, she makes it clear that she has designs on Theo.

Florian Hoffmeister’s cinematography brings out the best in the stunning, picture perfect, locations where the film is shot.

Jay Roach (Meet the Fockers) ensures he milks the barbs for all they are worth.

This is mental and physical comedy at its finest and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable time at the cinema.

Rated MA, The Roses scores an 8½ out of 10.