In the world of cinema, playing against type can be a gamble, but for Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s an opportunity to explore new dimensions of his craft. In the marriage comedy “The Roses,” directed by Jay Roach and penned by Tony McNamara, Cumberbatch steps away from his usual roles to embrace a character that refreshingly diverges from his norm. The film, a humorous yet poignant take on modern relationships, finds Cumberbatch pushing boundaries and, as he puts it, trying to “scare myself a little bit.”
Breaking Away from the Norm
Amidst the star-studded comedic ensemble of “The Roses,” Cumberbatch takes on the character of Theo Rose, an architect struggling with both his career and marriage. This role marks a significant departure for Cumberbatch, known for his intense portrayals in films like “Sherlock” and “Atonement,” as well as his iconic stint as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Delving into the genre of dark comedy allows him to explore nuances that his previous roles haven’t offered.
“I try to sort of scare myself a little bit with the new,” Cumberbatch revealed, highlighting his excitement in working alongside close friends and trying something distinctive. This venture represents not just a new direction in his acting career but also a personal challenge that he eagerly embraces.
A Story of Complex Relationships
Based on Warren Adler’s novel “The War of the Roses,” the film centers on the tumultuous marriage of Ivy and Theo Rose, played by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, respectively. Their journey through marriage, parenthood, and career struggles is both relatable and dramatically intense. Allison Janney, who portrays a formidable divorce lawyer, remarks on the difficulties depicted in the film, emphasizing the necessity of a strong foundation in relationships to weather such storms.
Janney humorously shared her own connection to the film’s themes, saying, “I haven’t had a romantic partner for so long. My thing is my constant want to please someone, like, ‘Well, what do you want to do?’”
The Cast and Creative Vision
The red carpet at The Hudson Theater buzzed with energy as Cumberbatch, Colman, and their fellow cast members, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Zoe Chao, celebrated the film’s premiere. Cumberbatch relished his on-screen chemistry with Colman, noting that his character is unlike anyone he’s portrayed before—emotionally intuitive, impulsive, and deeply complex.
The creative team approached the project with a fresh perspective. Tony McNamara initially hesitated to remake Danny DeVito’s 1989 classic but was convinced after discussions with the cast. “We could make a show that’s more about marriage,” McNamara explained.
Reflecting on Modern Love
Director Jay Roach adds his personal insights into the portrayal of marriage in the film, drawing parallels with his own experiences. He candidly shared, “I’m such a hypocrite. I’ll get into a fight over something that my wife has done, and she rightly points out I was doing the same thing.” This reflection enriches the narrative, providing a genuine look at the complexities of modern relationships.
With its thematic depth and comedic brilliance, “The Roses” offers audiences a chance to laugh and reflect, with Cumberbatch boldly leading the way into uncharted territory.
