Director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara present "The Roses," a new dark comedy film offering a fresh and witty take on the complexities of modern marriage, drawing inspiration from Warren Adler’s anti-romantic-comedy novel, "The War of the Roses." While not a direct remake of Danny DeVito’s 1989 film, this 21st-century interpretation, released by Searchlight Pictures, delves into how matrimony can devolve into acrimony, especially when power dynamics shift between spouses. By the film's conclusion, seemingly well-matched partners Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch) are embroiled in a chaotic attempt to destroy each other within their custom-built home, illustrating that even without the "war" in its title, the film retains a significant bite.

The narrative opens in couple’s therapy, where the British duo, Ivy and Theo, exhibit a relationship sustained by biting repartee, exchanging insults rather than affirmations. Their attraction, despite the acidic humor, is evident, yet some critics noted a missing spark in the on-screen chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch, particularly when compared to the "scorching passion" of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in the 1989 predecessor. However, the film endeavours to portray Ivy and Theo’s intense connection, introducing their dynamic through a steamy meet-cute in a restaurant kitchen, leading to a quick tryst in a walk-in freezer. Throughout much of the movie, they flirt like newlyweds, contrasting sharply with their married friends like Barry (Andy Samberg) and Amy (Kate McKinnon), whose relationship is clearly strained, and Rory (Jamie Demetriou) and Sally (Zoë Chao), who harbour unspoken resentments.

The film traces the Roses’ journey, initially flourishing as Ivy pursued her career as a chef and Theo as an architect. After moving to the States, Theo achieved significant professional success, while Ivy took on a more domestic role, raising their two children. However, a significant turning point occurs when Theo’s major architectural project collapses, derailing his career, while Ivy’s crab shack business experiences a boom. This dramatic shift in roles sees Theo become a stay-at-home dad and Ivy emerge as a career woman. This change introduces depression and jealousy into their relationship, setting the stage for a "slow and painfully funny break-up." Olivia Colman delivers a "spirited and suddenly selfish" Ivy with a "deliciously devious" portrayal, while Benedict Cumberbatch’s "beleaguered and increasingly bitchy" Theo is replete with "snarky one-liners."

The ensemble cast further enhances the comedic elements. Allison Janney plays an "intimidatingly deadpan divorce lawyer" who reflects on the challenges faced by couples, especially two artists, and notes the strength required to weather such difficulties. Kate McKinnon also features as a "nympho neighbour" married to a "useless lawyer" played by Andy Samberg, adding to the film's "comedy-masterclass cast," which also includes Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa. Cumberbatch, known for his roles in period dramas and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, embraced this dark comedy as a step towards something "new," describing his character, Theo, as "emotionally intuitive, impulsive, pragmatic, capable of a great depth of love and hurt and pain and hatred," and "a good dresser" who is "quite well groomed." He also produced the film, which premiered in New York with a star-studded red carpet event and is set to open in theaters on August 29.

Beyond "The Roses," other notable films have also been released. Director Macon Blair’s "The Toxic Avenger" (rated 18, 102 mins), a reboot of Troma’s 1980s cult classic, delivers a "mostly middling" experience. Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze, a widowed janitor who transforms into a mutated hero after a toxic accident, with stunt performer Luisa Guerreiro playing the monster on screen while Dinklage provides the voice. The film also features Jacob Tremblay as Winston’s son, Wade, Taylour Paige as crusader JJ Doherty, and Kevin Bacon as a "cartoonishly evil corporate villain." Despite its impressive cast, the film attempts to be a sharp spoof of superhero adventures but often "stumbles," with jokes landing sporadically and "comically bad" scares, resulting in a 3-star rating.

Meanwhile, Darren Aronofsky takes a "radical turn" with "Caught Stealing" (rated 15, 107 mins), a "gritty crime thriller" that departs from his usual intense psychological works. This high-octane crime spree, reminiscent of the Safdie brothers, stars Austin Butler in a captivating performance as Hank Thompson, a washed-up New York bartender. His character's agreement to cat-sit for his punk neighbor, played by Matt Smith, spirals into a wild chase involving gangsters and features a memorable turn from pop star Bad Bunny. The ensemble cast includes Liev Schreiber and Regina King. While the film’s pace is "a little off at times," it is ultimately deemed a "fantastic showcase" for both Aronofsky and Butler, earning a 4-star rating.