The new film The Roses reimagines The War of the Roses for today’s audience. Learn how its themes of shifting roles, identity, and communication struggles provide fresh lessons for couples navigating separation and divorce in Ontario.
This article is part of our Family Law in Film series, where we explore how Hollywood stories about marriage and divorce reveal real-world lessons for Ontario couples.
Continuing the conversation I began in my previous article on The War of the Roses, the new film The Roses—a modern retelling starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch—provides fresh, thought-provoking insights for couples navigating relationships in Ontario today.
One of the central themes in The Roses is how quickly relationship dynamics can shift. Theo loses his career while Ivy’s takes off, creating resentment and imbalance. For Ontario couples, this is a reminder that roles—whether career, financial, or caregiving—often evolve over time. Valuing each partner’s contributions, even when they look different, can prevent friction and maintain respect.
The film also shows how communication can break down under pressure. At one point, a therapist describes the couple’s dynamic as rooted in resentment, defensiveness, and cruelty. Rather than ignoring these patterns or covering them with sarcasm, couples in Ontario may benefit from recognizing the signs early and seeking support, including therapy, as a proactive step to build healthier communication habits.
Another theme is how external pressures affect identity. Both characters wrestle with self-worth when their professional and personal roles change. This reflects the reality for many couples in Ontario, where job loss, career changes, or shifting family demands can create strain. Reaffirming personal value and supporting one another through transitions is critical.
The legal backdrop of marriage breakdown also can’t be ignored. While The Roses emphasizes psychology more than property disputes, the story underscores the importance of planning for separation and understanding the legal framework. In Ontario, separation and divorce involve clear legal steps, including financial disclosure, parenting arrangements, and support obligations. Addressing these matters transparently and fairly, often through a separation agreement, can prevent further conflict and uncertainty.
The Roses’ identity as British transplants in California also adds a layer of cultural dissonance to their relationship. In Ontario, one of the most multicultural provinces in the world, couples often come from diverse backgrounds. Failing to acknowledge or understand these differences can intensify tensions. Building cultural sensitivity and mutual understanding helps strengthen a marriage in ways that purely legal or financial solutions cannot.
While The Roses is less about physical conflict and more about subtle emotional erosion, its lessons are highly relevant for Ontario couples. Resentment rarely begins with grand gestures—it grows quietly through unmet expectations, identity struggles, and lack of communication. By reflecting on these themes, couples can take steps to strengthen their relationships, or, if necessary, navigate separation with respect and fairness.
