If you remember watching the 1989 film The War of the Roses, then you'll be intrigued to hear that it's getting a modern remake starring two of our favourite British actors, Olivia Coleman (Great Expectations and The Favourite) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Tinker Tailor, Soldier Spy and War Horse).
The original 1980s dark comedy film was directed by Danny DeVito and starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as a wealthy couple, who's seemingly perfect marriage falls apart, leading to a bitter divorce and all out war between the pair.
In this new remake, from the director of Meet The Parents, titled The Roses, Olivia and Benedict play a married couple living on the California coast, who start off very much in love but as time goes on tensions grow between them and they begin to wreak absolute carnage on each other's lives.
Is the film The Roses based on a book?
The Roses is inspired by the 1989 cult classic film The War of The Roses which was originally adapted from the book of the same name by Warren Adler. The overarching theme from the original film was to examine how a couple can go from being so intensely in love with each other to utterly despising and loathing each other. This theme is still shown in the remake but with a with a few modern twists.
Talking to Vanity Fair about the film Benedict Cumberbatch said: “The film is a parable of two people who loved each other intensely, then ended up hating each other intensely and missing the middle ground. “Much of it is shockingly recognisable: how we struggle to show love toward the people we love the most, and how this can all go wrong very quickly if we're not careful about nurturing and nourishing the relationships at the center of our families.”
Who stars in the The Film The Roses?
Olivia Coleman plays Ivy, a chef whose career begins to eclipse that of her husband Theo, an architect. What at first comes off as witty banter between two British expats living in California soon transforms into sharp quips and physical one-upmanship as their competitive natures get the best of them.
“I love that you can see the journey of two people who adore each other and slowly, slowly, bit by bit start to try and tear each other apart,” saya Olivia.
Benedict Cumberbatch, plays Theo, Ivy's architect husband. We know that Ivy's career begins to eclipse Theo's but we don't know a huge amount about his character yet. Judging by the photos released by Searchlight Pictures, Theo may well find himself being seduced by a family friend who appears has her eye on him, played by Kate McKinnon.
A strong cast talented comedic actors are playing various supporting roles, including Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who).
Is The Roses a remake of The War Of The Roses?
Both films follow a married couple across a 20-year period but one modern twist to The Roses is that in the original movie it was Michael Douglas's character who as the breadwinner, however in the The Roses, it’s Olivia Coleman's character, Ivy whose career is taking off and Theo who loses his job.
“That’s what so many couples understand now, how the balance between two careers is such a trick to solve in a marriage,” says the film's writer Tony McNamara. “These two people who are very creative, very ambitious—how are they going to balance staying married and staying in love?”
What is the release date of The Roses?
The film The Roses will be available to watch in UK cinemas from Monday 1st September 2025.
What was the plot of the 1989 film The War of The Roses?
Harvard Law student Oliver Rose (Michael Douglas) and Barbara (Kathleen Turner) meet at an auction, sparking a passionate romance that leads to marriage, two children, and a large home in Washington, D.C. Over eighteen years, Oliver becomes a successful lawyer while Barbara sacrifices her career to raise their family. As the years go by and they become empty nesters, Barbara realises she's unfulfilled and resents Oliver's workaholic lifestyle and disregard for her feelings. Pursuing financial independence, she starts a catering business and asks for a divorce, seeking the house they share.
Tensions rise during divorce proceedings when Barbara uses a love note from Oliver against him, though she regrets it. In retaliation, Oliver denies her the house, exploiting a legal loophole. As their animosity escalates, Barbara and Oliver's interactions grow increasingly hostile, culminating in a disastrous dinner party where their past and possessions are literally torn apart.
Separated from their children, who head off to college, Barbara and Oliver are left alone, their relationship reduced to bitter confrontations. Attempts to reconcile fail as deep-seated resentment and misunderstandings fester. The situation spirals further when Oliver accidentally kills Barbara's cat, and she locks him in a sauna in revenge.
Their destructive path peaks when a fight over a chandelier leaves both hanging precariously. As Oliver confesses his enduring love, Barbara remains silent, and they crash to the floor, teetering on the edge of life and death.
If you can't wait to see the film, why not read the book it's based on.
Claire Tapleyis a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 16 years' experience writing for women over 50. In her previous role she was deputy editor on Yours magazine for nine years, before moving over to Yours.co.uk.