Is Jay Roach’s The Roses a modern adaptation of The War of the Roses? Inspiration behind the black comedy film, explored

The Roses is a satirical comedy film, which was released theatrically on August 29, 2025, by Searchlight Pictures. It is directed by Jay Roach, while Tony McNamara is the writer.

Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

"Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy and Theo: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites."

Let's find out if it is a modern-day adaptation of the novel The War of the Roses.

Is The Roses adapted from The War of the Roses?

The Roses is loosely based on Warren Adler's 1981 novel The War of the Roses. However, it is not a remake or a sequel to the novel's namesake 1989 film. The film takes a leaf from the original book, giving it a modern spin. The key elements remain intact: A couple who were in love with each other, but soon cracks start to appear in their relationship. The husband's career takes a hit amid the turmoil.

Unlike the 1989 version, this film focuses on Theo and Ivy instead of attorney Gavin D'Amato telling Barbara and Rose's story to a client. The first film sticks true to the source material and features Barbara starting her catering business while Oliver works as a lawyer.

In the 2025 film, we see Ivy as the owner of a seafood restaurant. Meanwhile, Theo is an architect. The recent film also changes the reason behind their divorce. Unlike the first film, where Theo's health scare makes Barbara part ways, the recent version has a different twist.

Theo saves a whale and realizes that life is too short and unpredictable to spend with someone you don't love. These are some substantial changes that cement the 2025 version as a different film.

The Roses is produced by Jay Roach, Michelle Graham, Adam Ackland, Tom Carver, Leah Clarke, and Ed Sinclair. Its cast members include: