In a candid conversation about their upcoming film “The Roses,” actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman explore the complexities of marriage, love, and the challenges of modern relationships. The film, set to release in 2025, offers a fresh take on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel “The War of the Roses,” famously adapted by Danny DeVito in 1989. This new version, directed by Jay Roach, shifts the narrative to focus on the evolving dynamics of a couple navigating career ambitions and family life in California.
The film stars Cumberbatch and Colman as Theo and Ivy, a couple whose relationship is tested by their professional successes and failures. As Ivy’s culinary career soars, Theo’s architectural ambitions falter, leading to tension over their roles within the family and their shared ownership of a luxurious beach villa.
The Dynamics of Modern Marriage
Screenwriter Tony McNamara, known for his work on “The Favourite,” attributes the couple’s struggles to the pressures of capitalism and the modern expectation of finding fulfillment through career success. “Both partners have to work,” McNamara explains, “and balancing that with a partner, children, and a mortgage is ridiculous.”
McNamara’s insights highlight a broader societal issue: the challenge of maintaining traditional relationship dynamics in an era where gender roles and expectations are continually evolving. This theme is central to “The Roses,” which explores the couple’s attempts to reconcile their personal ambitions with their family responsibilities.
Expert Opinions on Relationship Challenges
According to relationship experts, the pressures faced by Theo and Ivy are not uncommon. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a marriage counselor, notes that “many couples struggle to balance career aspirations with family life. The key is communication and mutual support.”
“It’s really hard for men,” says McNamara, “because they’re brought up for a sort of ego success; that’s the way to define himself. When that’s taken away, he makes his kids the success.”
This sentiment is echoed by Cumberbatch and Colman, who, despite their on-screen tensions, share a deep mutual respect and friendship. Their off-screen camaraderie is evident as they discuss their personal experiences with marriage and the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale
“The Roses” offers a modern reinterpretation of the classic story, focusing on the couple’s desire to stay together despite their differences. Unlike the original film’s darker themes, this adaptation emphasizes the couple’s shared history and the possibility of reconciliation.
Director Jay Roach, known for his work on films like “Meet the Parents” and “Austin Powers,” brings a unique perspective to the project. Roach’s interest in the dynamics of relationships is evident in his approach to the film, which he describes as a way to “work my own shit out.”
A Transatlantic Perspective
The film also explores the cultural differences between British and American approaches to relationships. Roach, an American director, acknowledges his fascination with the “special relationship” between the US and UK, noting the contrast between British wit and American frankness.
“When Ivy and Theo are really harsh with each other, they’re sort of speaking in their love language,” says Roach. “When Americans try, they suck at it.”
Cumberbatch and Colman, both popular in the US, reflect on these cultural nuances, with Cumberbatch noting the freedom to “keep evolving” in America, while Colman humorously recounts her experiences with American sensibilities.
Reflections on Love and Longevity
As the conversation shifts to the actors’ personal experiences with love and marriage, both Cumberbatch and Colman offer insights into their long-term relationships. Colman, married to writer Ed Sinclair, and Cumberbatch, married to theatre director Sophie Hunter, share their thoughts on the romanticization of love and the realities of maintaining a successful marriage.
Colman expresses her belief in the importance of romanticizing love, while Cumberbatch reflects on the need to find meaning beyond the initial idealism of vows. Their discussion highlights the balance between romantic ideals and the practicalities of everyday life.
“It’s great to fall in love, but eventually one of you will be dog-tired and doing the bins,” Cumberbatch muses, emphasizing the importance of partnership and shared responsibilities.
The film’s exploration of these themes resonates with audiences, offering a relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of modern relationships. As “The Roses” prepares for its release, it promises to spark conversations about love, marriage, and the evolving dynamics of contemporary partnerships.
Ultimately, “The Roses” is not just a story about a couple’s struggles but a reflection on the complexities of love and the enduring bonds that hold relationships together. As Cumberbatch and Colman conclude their conversation, their genuine affection and respect for one another serve as a testament to the power of friendship and mutual support in navigating the ups and downs of life.
