Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman Reflect on Love and Marriage

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman recently discussed the complexities of love and marriage during an interview promoting their upcoming film, The Roses, set to release on August 29, 2025. The film, which offers a modern twist on Warren Adler’s novel The War of the Roses, delves into the challenges couples face in balancing personal ambition with their relationships.

In a light-hearted yet revealing conversation, Cumberbatch and Colman shared their thoughts on love and the everyday realities of marriage. While discussing their characters in The Roses, they highlighted the importance of understanding both the joys and frustrations that come with long-term partnerships. Cumberbatch noted, “It’s great to fall in love, but eventually one of you will be dog-tired and doing the bins.” This candid reflection underscores the mundane yet significant aspects of shared life.

In The Roses, Colman and Cumberbatch portray Ivy and Theo, a couple navigating the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. Their characters relocate from London to California, where Ivy’s culinary career flourishes while Theo grapples with feelings of inadequacy. The film reflects contemporary societal pressures, particularly the challenges of maintaining a relationship in a fast-paced world.

Exploring Gender Roles and Ambition

Screenwriter Tony McNamara emphasized that the film addresses how capitalism impacts marriages today. “Both partners have to work,” he explained, highlighting the emotional toll of striving for personal success while fulfilling familial responsibilities. Colman and Cumberbatch echoed this sentiment, discussing the difficulties of balancing ambition with domestic life.

The film presents a contrasting dynamic through Ivy and Theo’s American friends, who provide a more straightforward approach to relationships. Director Jay Roach remarked on the cultural differences in humor between British and American characters, with Ivy and Theo’s banter reflecting a unique love language that can be misunderstood by others.

Cumberbatch and Colman both agree that the film’s themes resonate with their own experiences in happy marriages. Colman has been married to writer Ed Sinclair since university, while Cumberbatch’s wife is theatre director Sophie Hunter. Their conversations revealed a shared understanding of the romanticized notions of love that often overlook the day-to-day realities.

Romantic Ideals vs. Reality

The actors candidly discussed how societal expectations shape perceptions of love. “By its very nature, yes, we romanticize love,” Cumberbatch stated, adding that this idealism can create unrealistic standards for couples. Colman, ever the optimist, declared, “I love love. I think it’s ace.”

Their dialogue shifted towards the notion of roles within a marriage. Colman emphasized the importance of taking turns in household responsibilities, while Cumberbatch reflected on the deeper connections that emerge from navigating life’s challenges together. “When you’re living closely with someone, you go through all the extremes of life. That’s really what love is: getting through them,” he said.

As they discussed the film’s portrayal of conflict, Cumberbatch acknowledged the harsh feelings that can arise in close relationships. “When you’re living closely with someone, you go through all the extremes of life. I’m not sure I’ve felt massive hatred,” he admitted, prompting laughter from Colman, who quipped, “I’m quite in love.”

The conversation also touched on generational differences in views on relationships. Younger actors Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa, who play characters in The Roses, expressed concern about societal pressures related to love and success. Gatwa noted, “The feeling that you need to be ‘special’ is really exploited.” Both actors emphasized the influence of social media and modern dating culture on perceptions of romance.

In conclusion, Cumberbatch and Colman’s reflections offer a nuanced perspective on love and partnership. Their insights remind us that while romance can be enchanting, the reality often includes shared responsibilities, personal growth, and the occasional frustration. As Cumberbatch aptly put it, “There has to be this cool thing beyond the idealism of vows.”