Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Face Off in The Rose

Photo:AFP

Two of Britain’s most loved actors, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, have come together for one of the most talked-about films of the year — The Roses. The movie dives into the story of a once-happy married couple whose relationship falls apart, turning into a bitter battle filled with anger, resentment, and sharp-tongued fights.

But while their characters tear each other apart on screen, off camera the two stars couldn’t be closer. In fact, Colman and Cumberbatch have been friends for decades, ever since they met in a small radio studio early in their careers.

The film had its big premiere this week, and the morning after, both actors sat down together, still glowing with excitement. With cups of tea in their hands, they couldn’t stop praising each other. Colman admitted that she often finds big events uncomfortable, saying she prefers quiet parties at home. Cumberbatch agreed, explaining that red-carpet moments can feel strange and awkward, but both said they try to find the fun in it.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Story

The Roses is a fresh take on the 1989 classic The War of the Roses. The original film, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, showed the destruction of a marriage in the late 1980s. This new version, directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, moves the drama into the modern world — a glamorous but unstable mix of careers, family responsibilities, and ambition.

In the film, Cumberbatch plays Theo, an architect whose career suddenly collapses. At the same time, Colman’s character Ivy becomes a rising star in the world of fine dining, opening new restaurants across America. While Ivy’s career skyrockets, Theo takes on the role of a stay-at-home dad, focusing on their children’s future. This imbalance creates deep resentment, jealousy, and anger that slowly destroys their marriage.

One of the film’s sharpest moments comes during a counseling session, when Ivy is asked what she still likes about her husband. Her response? “I like that he has arms.” The line captures the level of bitterness between them — sharp, funny, and cruel.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Balancing Fame, Family, and Real Life

Although The Roses is about a marriage breakdown, both actors have happy family lives in reality. Olivia Colman has been married to producer Ed Sinclair for years, and they share three children. Benedict Cumberbatch is married to playwright Sophie Hunter, with whom he also has three children.

When asked about the secret to a lasting marriage, both offered thoughtful advice. Cumberbatch said that it is important never to be complacent, to keep communicating, and to remember that tolerance and understanding are key. Colman added that small gestures — being kind, checking in on each other, and showing appreciation — keep her marriage strong.

Filming this intense story didn’t change their views on love, but both joked that they did pick up a few “lessons” — such as never throwing knives, keeping dangerous fruit away, and not wearing headphones in the bath.

Colman also admitted that parts of her character’s guilt felt very real to her. She explained that working parents, especially mothers, often feel torn between career and family. She remembered bringing her first child onto a film set when he was just six weeks old and instantly regretting it, saying she was filled with guilt. Since then, she tries to choose jobs closer to home and avoid long projects abroad. Cumberbatch agreed, noting that the UK’s booming film industry now allows them to work at home while still being part of global franchises.

The Marvel Connection and Secret Hints

Fans of superhero movies will be pleased to know that Cumberbatch is set to return as Doctor Strange in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Colman, who has already played a role in the Marvel world as MI6 agent Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion, teased fans when Cumberbatch jokingly hinted that she might appear in future films.

Although nothing is confirmed, both laughed at the idea, and Colman said she would be thrilled if it actually happened. They teased that she might play a new villain, leaving fans wondering whether there’s more to the joke than meets the eye.

Critical Response and What’s Next

Critics have had mixed reactions to The Roses. Some called it “relentlessly entertaining” and praised Colman and Cumberbatch as “deliciously savage.” Others felt the film was too glossy, saying it softened the dark edges of the story. But both actors don’t seem too worried about reviews.

For them, the joy came from working together. Cumberbatch admitted that the project was partly “selfish,” because they simply wanted to share the screen again. As for what’s next, Cumberbatch dreams of doing a stage play with Colman, but she quickly laughed it off, saying she doesn’t think she could remember an entire play anymore.

One thing seems clear though: their on-screen partnership won’t end with The Roses. Both are eager to collaborate again, and audiences around the world will no doubt be watching closely.

Why The Roses Stands Out

What makes The Roses unique is its mix of sharp humor, biting dialogue, and emotional realism. It shows how ambition, work, and family pressures can destroy even the strongest relationships if balance is lost. With two powerhouse actors at the center, the film keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

For fans of romance, drama, and dark comedy, this film delivers it all in under two hours. It reminds us that love can turn into rivalry — and that the line between passion and resentment is thinner than we think.