The Roses – Dark Satire on JioHotstar | Nov 19
The Roses arrives on JioHotstar on November 19, bringing with it a razor-sharp, emotionally charged story of love, power, resentment, and the quiet chaos hiding beneath a seemingly perfect marriage. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, this modern retelling of Warren Adler’s acclaimed novel The War of the Roses transforms domestic warfare into a gripping and darkly comedic battle of ego and ambition.
A Marriage That Looks Perfect—Until It Isn’t
At the centre of the story are Ivy and Theo Rose, played by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. Outwardly, they are the picture of success—financially secure, socially admired, and raising two young twins. Yet beneath the polished surface lies unresolved rivalry and unspoken frustration.
When Ivy’s career suddenly takes flight while Theo’s begins to crumble, the balance of their marriage tilts. Success becomes a wedge, and admiration slips into envy. What begins as subtle tension soon erupts into a fierce emotional battlefield, where every interaction becomes a contest and every victory comes at a cost.
A Darkly Funny and Uncomfortably Real Story
Jay Roach and Tony McNamara create a world where humour and cruelty coexist. Their satirical tone brings out the absurdity of marital games while still grounding the characters in deeply human emotion.
As Ivy and Theo spiral into pettiness, manipulation, and sabotage, the film forces viewers to confront a sobering truth: sometimes the people we love the most become the people we fight the hardest.
A Brilliant Ensemble Cast
Along with powerhouse leads Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, the series features a strong supporting lineup:
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose
- Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose
- Hala Finley as Hattie Rose
- Wells Rappaport as Roy Rose
- Andy Samberg as Barry
- Kate McKinnon as Amy
The combination of dramatic depth and dark comedic timing from this cast adds layers of nuance, making each character feel lived-in and compelling.
Creative Minds Behind the Project
- Director: Jay Roach
- Screenplay: Tony McNamara
- Based on: The War of the Roses by Warren Adler
- Production Companies: South of the River Pictures, SunnyMarch, Delirious Media
- Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Their collaboration results in a polished, provocative narrative that balances emotional weight with biting humour.
Why The Roses Is a Must-Watch
With its sharp writing, exceptional performances, and unflinching look at marital disintegration, The Roses explores the darkest corners of relationships with style and intelligence.
It is dramatic, wickedly funny, and brutally honest—an irresistible mix for fans of character-driven storytelling.
Streaming in India on JioHotstar, this series promises to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
