Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch on love, marriage and The Roses
Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch have spent much of the past year swearing, shouting and sneering at each other on screen. Their latest roles see them play Ivy and Theo Rose – a wealthy couple once blissfully in love who now find themselves in a bitter marriage breakdown and acrimonious divorce battle.
Ironically, their real-life relationship couldn’t be more different – they are close friends, having met decades ago in a radio studio. Over cups of tea the morning after the film’s premiere, both gush about how great the other looked the night before. Colman thanks Cumberbatch for his support, admitting she hates these sorts of events. “If it’s my party in my own house with people I know, then I love it,” she says. Cumberbatch agrees, adding, “You have to have those awkward conversations and really you just want to go and speak to your mum or wife.”
The actors continue to praise each other. Colman says she felt like a “competition winner” at points, and Cumberbatch explains their acting styles complement each other. “I fret, she doesn’t faff, she’s really patient with my fretting and I love her non-faffing. We really do get on incredibly well,” he says.
The Roses is an adaptation of the 1989 film The War of the Roses, updating the sour marital conflict for a modern world of ambition. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, Theo is an architect whose career collapses as Ivy’s career as a chef soars. Resentment grows as Theo becomes a stay-at-home dad while Ivy opens new restaurants across America.
Both actors are happily married in real life. Colman has three children with producer Ed Sinclair; Cumberbatch has three children with playwright Sophie Hunter. On maintaining a successful marriage, Cumberbatch says, “Don’t be complacent and keep the conversation going. Be tolerant, understanding and never stop working at it.” Colman adds she ensures they appreciate each other daily.
Filming The Roses didn’t change their views on relationships but resonated personally, especially for Colman, who admits to feeling guilty when balancing work and parenting. “From the moment you have a child, you’ll have guilt,” she says. Cumberbatch agrees, noting the British industry brings many projects locally, making work-life balance easier.
The pair hint at future collaborations. Cumberbatch mentions wanting to do plays like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf or Much Ado About Nothing, though Colman laughs, “I really can’t hold a whole play in my head anymore.”
While their next project together remains unknown, one thing is clear – this isn’t the last time Colman and Cumberbatch will co-star. Their chemistry, on and off screen, ensures audiences will be watching eagerly.
