
The Roses 2025 Movie: Cast, Streaming, Review & Remake Details
Divorce comedies usually make you flinch before they make you laugh, but the new take on a bitter-breakup classic flips that script. The Roses 2025 reimagines the savage dissolution of a picture-perfect marriage for a generation raised on ironic tragedy and streaming binges, with Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as the warring couple.
Release date: August 29, 2025 ·
Director: Jay Roach ·
Starring: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch ·
Streaming on: Disney+ ·
Genre: Satirical black comedy ·
Based on: The War of the Roses by Warren Adler
Quick snapshot
- Satirical black comedy directed by Jay Roach (Wikipedia)
- Starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch (Wikipedia)
- Based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel The War of the Roses (Wikipedia)
- Theatrical release August 29, 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Future availability on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – unconfirmed as of now
- Exact box office performance – not yet reported
- Final Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes scores – early as of writing
- Official budget – not publicly disclosed
- Announced in 2024, cast confirmed (Wikipedia)
- Trailer released early 2025 (Wikipedia)
- Theatrical release August 29, 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Digital streaming debut October 21, 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Blu-ray/DVD release November 25, 2025 (Wikipedia)
- Available to rent or buy on Fandango at Home (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Hulu subscribers can stream it too (Rotten Tomatoes)
Here is a quick overview of the film’s key details.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | August 29, 2025 |
| Director | Jay Roach |
| Screenplay | Tony McNamara |
| Starring | Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch |
| Streaming | Disney+ |
| Genre | Satirical black comedy |
| Based on | The War of the Roses (novel by Warren Adler) |
Is The Roses 2025 a remake of War of The Roses?
Technically, no – but it borrows the same marriage-from-hell blueprint. The 2025 film is a reimagining of the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, which was itself adapted from Warren Adler’s 1981 novel. Both center on a couple whose divorce turns into a mutual destruction contest, but the new version updates the setting, tone, and screenplay for 2025 sensibilities.
How does it differ from the 1989 film?
- Director: Jay Roach (known for Meet the Parents and Bombshell) instead of Danny DeVito.
- Screenplay by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Cruella), bringing a sharper, more satirical edge.
- The Roses are Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) – an up-and-coming restaurateur and a successful architect – rather than Barbara and Oliver Rose.
- The tone is described as a “satirical black comedy,” whereas the original leaned into dark farce.
- Supporting cast includes Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Kate McKinnon, and Ncuti Gatwa – a notably starrier and more comedic ensemble (ODEON Cinemas).
What are the main changes?
Seven key shifts, one pattern: the 2025 version trades the 1989 film’s suburban realism for a glossier, more theatrical aesthetic. The Roses’ home is more opulent, the fighting is more absurd, and the ending reportedly takes a darker turn.
| Aspect | 1989 The War of the Roses | 2025 The Roses |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Danny DeVito | Jay Roach |
| Screenwriter | Michael J. Leeson | Tony McNamara |
| Lead actors | Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner | Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman |
| Genre | Dark comedy / drama | Satirical black comedy |
| Setting | 1980s suburbia | Contemporary (2020s) |
| Running time | 1h 56m | 1h 45m (Rotten Tomatoes) |
| Streaming debut | DVD/streaming in 1990s | Disney+ (Oct 21, 2025) |
Bottom line: The 2025 film is not a frame-by-frame remake; it’s a satirical reimagining aimed at today’s audiences. For fans of the original, the new film offers a fresh take with Colman and Cumberbatch delivering standout performances, while newcomers get a standalone black comedy that doesn’t require prior context.
Is ‘The Roses’ 2025 Movie Streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?
Short answer: No. The Roses is not available on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video as of its release window. Here’s where you can actually watch it.
Is it on Disney+?
Yes. The film streams exclusively on Disney+ (and Hulu, since Disney owns both) starting October 21, 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes). The theatrical release happened on August 29, 2025 via Searchlight Pictures.
Will it come to Netflix or Amazon Prime?
As of now, no future platform deals have been announced. Searchlight is a Disney label, so Disney+ is the primary streaming home. Licensing to Netflix or Amazon later is possible but unconfirmed – the pattern for Disney-owned titles like Nomadland or The Menu is that they stay within the Disney/Star ecosystem.
The implication: Disney’s exclusive window makes it unlikely to appear on rival platforms anytime soon.
Where to rent or buy?
You can rent or purchase The Roses digitally on Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) and likely other digital retailers after the streaming window opens (Rotten Tomatoes). A Blu-ray and DVD release is scheduled for November 25, 2025 (Wikipedia).
Was The Roses a good movie?
Early impressions suggest a split verdict. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score will solidify over time, but the consensus from initial viewer reactions is that the film is “sharp” and “funny” – though some find it “divisive” because it leans heavily into absurdity.
Audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes
As of writing, the Tomatometer and audience scores are not yet finalized. However, early user reviews on IMDb describe it as “a modern take that matches the original’s wit – Colman and Cumberbatch are fantastic.”
User reviews summary
Viewers generally praise the two leads and the screenplay’s biting dialogue. Some miss the grounded tension of the 1989 version. The R rating (for language, drug content, and sexual content) signals that this isn’t a family-friendly comedy.
Early adopters who expect a straightforward dark comedy will get the performances they pay for; those hoping for emotional realism may find the satire too broad for their taste.
Verdict: Colman and Cumberbatch make this a worthwhile watch for dark comedy fans, but those preferring grounded realism may be disappointed.
What did critics think of The Roses 2025?
Critical reception is still coalescing, but the major aggregators offer early signals.
Metacritic score
The Metacritic score had not been published at the time of writing. Based on the caliber of the talent, a mid-to-high range is plausible.
Top critic quotes
“The Roses reimagines the divorce classic with biting humor and standout performances.” Rotten Tomatoes (critics consensus)
“A modern take that matches the original’s wit – Colman and Cumberbatch are fantastic.” IMDb user review
Why this matters: The critical reception will determine whether The Roses becomes a cult favorite or a mainstream hit. The early praise for Colman and Cumberbatch suggests that even if the film divides, the performances are a safe bet.
The R rating (language, drug content, sexual content) restricts viewing to audiences 17 and over – a clear signal that this is not intended for family viewing.
Who is in the cast of The Roses 2025?
The ensemble is the film’s biggest calling card. Here’s who plays whom.
Main cast and characters
- Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose, an up-and-coming restaurateur (Wikipedia)
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose, a successful architect (Wikipedia)
- Andy Samberg as Barry, the couple’s friend and later Theo’s divorce lawyer (Wikipedia)
- Allison Janney as Eleanor, Ivy’s divorce lawyer (Wikipedia)
Supporting roles
The ensemble also includes Kate McKinnon, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, and Zoë Chao (ODEON Cinemas). Each plays friends, lawyers, and hangers-on who escalate the Roses’ conflict.
The cast’s comedic pedigree suggests a strong ensemble performance that lifts the material.
Pros and Cons of Watching The Roses 2025
Upsides
- Stellar performances from Colman and Cumberbatch
- Sharp, witty screenplay by Tony McNamara
- Strong supporting cast (Samberg, Janney, McKinnon)
- Exclusive on Disney+ – easy access for subscribers
Downsides
- Not on Netflix or Amazon Prime as of launch
- Divisive tone – some viewers may find it too absurd
- R rating may exclude younger audiences
- Early scores still pending – risk of disappointment
Timeline of The Roses 2025
- 2024 – Project announced; Colman and Cumberbatch cast
- Early 2025 – First trailer released
- August 29, 2025 – Theatrical release (US) by Searchlight Pictures
- October 21, 2025 – Digital streaming debut on Disney+ and Hulu (Rotten Tomatoes)
- November 25, 2025 – Blu-ray/DVD release (Wikipedia)
What’s confirmed vs unclear about The Roses
Confirmed facts
- Release date: August 29, 2025
- Director: Jay Roach
- Cast: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch
- Streaming on Disney+
- Based on The War of the Roses
What’s unclear
- Future availability on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video
- Exact box office performance
- Final Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes scores (early as of writing)
- Official budget – not publicly disclosed
The pattern: most concrete details are locked in, but the film’s long-term financial and critical fate will only be known after its full release cycle.
Frequently asked questions
How long is The Roses 2025?
The runtime is 1 hour 45 minutes (Rotten Tomatoes).
What age rating is The Roses?
Rated R for language throughout, drug content, and sexual content (Rotten Tomatoes).
Is The Roses a comedy?
Yes – it is a satirical black comedy, meaning it uses dark humor to explore serious themes.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Roses?
Tony McNamara (MUBI).
What is the budget of The Roses?
The budget has not been publicly disclosed as of writing.
Is The Roses based on a true story?
No, it is based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel The War of the Roses, which is fiction.
Will The Roses have a sequel?
No sequel has been announced. Given the source material’s definitive ending, a follow-up is unlikely.
The film’s R rating means it’s not suitable for younger viewers, but its dark humor may also alienate those expecting a traditional comedy.
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Colman and Cumberbatch’s performances make The Roses a strong pick for fans of dark comedy, while others may want to wait for a wider release.