Review of The Roses (15) - seen at The Light in Wisbech

Film review: The Roses (15) - seen at The Light, Wisbech

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman and Ncuti Gatwa

Director: Jay Roach Run time: One hour, 45 minutes

Two of the country's finest actors come together in this satirical dark comedy. I am a huge admirer of Benedict Cumberbatch, I find Olivia Colman absolutely charming, and the hugely talented Ncuti Gatwa stars here as well.

The trailer piqued my interest, and a friend then reported back that she'd thoroughly enjoyed it, so I went on Sunday, expecting good things. Sadly, it just wasn’t as entertaining as I’d hoped.

I'd not read the 1980s novel nor the original 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, so I went into this with an open, expectant mind... and left hugely disappointed.

Cumberbatch and Colman do their absolute best, but Gatwa is hamstrung with an empty bit-part role as waiter Jeffrey, and the writing just isn't that great.

The plot is simple. Architect Theo and chef Ivy meet by chance and instantly fall in love. He follows her to America, but as her career hits dizzy heights, his fails in the most spectacular fashion and he is left bringing up the kids.

Resentment and anger kick in from both sides, and love turns to hate... kind of.

But the trouble is for me, the falling in love bit seemed natural and real, but the hate looked forced and contrived and there wasn’t enough evidence on screen for the sudden changes of heart. Perhaps that’s because I can't see anyone falling out of love with either of these two seemingly lovely actors!

The way Theo enforces an almost military-style fitness regime on his sugar-loving children, who enjoy it without any sign of rebellion, doesn’t sit right with me either. It's so at odds with a man whose architectural dreams are to make beautiful buildings which make people happy.

But most of all, I didn't laugh once. Not even internally.

And marriage break-ups are a difficult and bitter subject to make light of. Especially in the rom-com-esque way this film does. Having said all that, my wife loved it.

By Jeremy Ransome

Rating: 5/10