Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara is making waves in the film industry with his latest project, The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. The film, set for release in March 2024, presents a contemporary take on marriage, exploring the complexities of relationships through McNamara’s signature sharp dialogue.
Cumberbatch and Colman, longtime friends, sought out McNamara first when they decided to collaborate on their debut project together. “He’s quite extraordinary in how he shifts tone, and is able to hold very complex tones in one beat,” Cumberbatch commented, praising McNamara’s unique talent. The actor described McNamara as a “laidback genius,” highlighting his ability to weave humor and pathos seamlessly.
McNamara is no stranger to success; his previous work on The Favourite earned Colman an Academy Award, showcasing his knack for blending sharp wit with emotional depth. The new film, while inspired by the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, is not a remake but rather a fresh interpretation. “We are not trying to remake it; it was a jumping-off point,” Colman stated. “With Tony McNamara writing it, you are in safe hands.”
The narrative follows a wealthy British couple, Theo (Cumberbatch), a successful architect, and Ivy (Colman), a restauranteur, as they navigate their strained marriage after relocating to the US. McNamara aimed to delve into the pressures faced by ambitious partners in modern society. He noted, “All of that felt like good, contemporary stuff for a comedy of characters who were going to be idiots.”
In crafting the characters, McNamara drew inspiration from his observations of couples over the years. He recalled an especially poignant memory of a couple dining in silence, which encapsulated the complexities of long-term relationships. “The worst thing I witnessed was…‘I’ve wasted my life with you’,” he shared, reflecting on how such moments can shape a relationship’s trajectory.
The film features an ensemble cast including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Allison Janney, among others. This diverse group adds layers of humor and complexity to the narrative, enriching the experience for viewers. McNamara expressed confidence in the chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch, emphasizing their linguistic prowess which allowed him to write lengthy, engaging dialogue scenes.
Director Jay Roach was brought on board after McNamara joined as both writer and producer. This collaboration allowed for a deeper exploration of Ivy and Theo’s relationship, showcasing their happier moments alongside their descent into animosity. “You were supposed to feel neither was perfect and neither was right,” McNamara explained, aiming for a nuanced portrayal of their dynamic.
The film’s comedic elements are underscored by moments of cruelty, revealing the stark realities faced by couples. The dialogue is laced with biting humor, exemplified by a line from Ivy that starkly contrasts the couple’s love language with their conflicts. “Sometimes, (Theo) has his cock in me and I can’t even tell,” Ivy remarks, showcasing the film’s darkly comedic tone.
While the film delivers laughs, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of kindness in long-term relationships. “They probably took too many moments of cruelty and not enough of kindness,” McNamara pointed out, highlighting the delicate balance required in sustaining a marriage over the years. Cumberbatch added, “It’s a huge mistake in human behaviour to find the thing that you found attractive, now unattractive just because you’ve grown bored.”
McNamara’s journey in screenwriting began in Australia, where he honed his craft on projects like The Rage in Placid Lake and The Secret Life of Us. His success with The Great and Poor Things has solidified his standing on the world stage. Despite this, he remains grounded, recalling his formative years spent in a school known for its sharp-tongued humor.
As audiences await the release of The Roses, McNamara’s distinctive voice and ability to blend humor with poignant observations of human nature promise to deliver a film that resonates with viewers. Zoe Chao encapsulated McNamara’s impact succinctly: “He has such a specific, delicious voice. This movie feels like it’s its own film too, while still being a remake.” The anticipation surrounding The Roses suggests that it will not only entertain but also provoke thought about the complexities of love and marriage.
