The Roses Christian Review
The Roses… Just the name suggests a romantic family drama—two people, a perfect home, and a happily ever after. But, to be honest, the film doesn’t go that way. On the surface, everything is picture-perfect: Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch), an architect, and Ivy (Olivia Colman), a restaurateur—good jobs, lovely kids, an enviable lifestyle. But inside? The house is a tinderbox. Competition, ego, and old hidden secrets are so ingrained that when the smallest thing moves—like shattering Theo’s professional dreams—everything comes crashing down.
It is easy to see this story only through the lens of comedy or marital drama, but if seen from a Christian perspective, it becomes a spiritual mirror. The Bible repeatedly warns that pride and selfish ambition destroy homes. James 3:16 comes to mind—“Where there is burning and selfishness, there is disorder of every kind.” The same disorder comes to the fore in Theo and Ivy’s relationship. Forgiveness is missing, humility is missing, and most importantly—God is missing. And when God is not present in the middle of a marriage, the bond which looks golden from the outside starts breaking like a stone from the inside.
There is no direct mention of faith or spirituality in the film, but that absence itself is a big thing. There is no prayer, no grace—only a race to prove one’s victory. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A three-stranded cord is not easily broken.” There are only two threads here, and both break by pulling each other. A marriage without Christ is like a single thread—it snaps easily.
Now if I talk about family-friendliness, a straight warning: This is R-rated. The language is strong, there is adult intimacy, and dark humor too. It is definitely not for children. Mature adults can watch it, but they should understand that it is a raw picture—along with entertainment it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Positive role models? Honestly, none. Theo and Ivy both pull each other down. The wedding venue turns into a boxing ring. And maybe that is the biggest lesson—the Bible says in Ephesians 5 that one should love the husband by sacrificing him and respect the wife. Here it is just the opposite: ego and competition dominate. Their downfall becomes a brutal reminder that if grace and forgiveness are missing, even the best-looking marriages can crumble.
And yet…the film indirectly illustrates the Bible. Proverbs 16:18—“Pride comes before destruction.” Hebrews 12:15—Bitterness poisons everyone. Mark 3:25—A house divided can never stand.” The Roses illustrate these truths in flesh-and-blood form.
When the credits roll, an uneasy silence remains. There is no romantic happily-ever-after. It is a sharp, painful reminder that love is sustained only when Christ is the anchor. Without Him, even enviable marriages look glamorous outside but rot inside. With Him, forgiveness can break pride and humility can fill the cracks. Mark 10:9 resonates in the heart—“What God has joined, let no one separate.”
Verdict? The Roses is not a Christian film, nor does it give an inspiring hero. But it does one thing for sure—it forces you to look at your own life and relationships. It reminds you that if God is missing, one day that “perfect picture” will fall from the photo-frame and break. So, if you want to see it, then do see it… but don’t look with your eyes. Watch with your heart. Because in the middle of this story you can see a shadow of your marriage.
And should I tell you the truth? Maybe this is the real dark magic of this film.
