Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): 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

Adapted from Warren Adler’s classic novel The War of the Roses and its seminal 1989 big-screen adaptation starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, The Roses arrives in cinemas with fresh, ferocious bite. Savage, hysterical, and wildly unpredictable, this is one comedy that doesn’t just nudge at the boundaries of taste and madness: it gleefully bulldozes right through them.

And at the helm of this fiery marital implosion is none other than Jay Roach. The man is synonymous with comedy gold—Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell, Trumbo – and now he brings his sharp narrative instincts and spot on comedic timing to The Roses. The result? A film that is zesty, spicy, unhinged, and hands down one of the most deliriously entertaining comedies of the year. Think of it as a cinematic degustation of chaos, where each course is crazier (and funnier) than the last.

Roach’s approach is clever and immediately engaging. He opens en medias res, thrusting us straight into the madness of Theo and Ivy Rose’s warzone of a home before winding the clock back to show how their fairytale romance soured beyond recognition. The early glow of love quickly curdles, and the escalation is swift and savage. With every passing scene, Roach dials up the tension and lunacy as Ivy and Theo’s frustration, envy, and outright hatred bubble to the surface until both are consumed by their villainy.

This is a film that thrives on unpredictability. The laughs don’t just land, they crash into you. Each beat is funnier, darker, and wilder than the last, and the narrative pace is so relentless that you never quite know where it’s heading next. That uncertainty is its magic. One moment you’re giggling at a petty squabble, the next you’re cackling at full-blown domestic warfare. Two sequences stand out in particular: a jaw-dropping dinner scene where the Roses’ venom spills out in front of their unsuspecting guests, and a third act that hurtles into full-blown insanity. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the ending crashes in with a twist you’ll never see coming.

The verbal warfare is also a joy to behold. The script is sharp, nasty, and downright inventive when it comes to profanity. Be prepared for a linguistic rollercoaster of insults, curses, and swear-filled tirades that are so creative they become their own kind of poetry. It’s vicious, it’s filthy, and it’s utterly hilarious.

Of course, none of this would work without the powerhouse pairing of Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. As Ivy Rose, Colman is simply on fire. Wild, mischievous, and uninhibited, she dives headfirst into Ivy’s vanity, ambition, and rash decision-making. She’s both hysterically funny and terrifying, and you can’t take your eyes off her. Opposite her, Cumberbatch delivers a career-twisting performance as Theo, a former high-flyer turned sad sack who spirals into pathetic desperation. It’s a hilarious yet quietly tragic turn, and his gradual descent only fuels the calamity of the narrative.

Together, Colman and Cumberbatch are dynamite. Their chemistry is electric, both in their initial affection and their later venomous hatred. Watching them spar—verbally, physically, emotionally is at the heart of The Roses. Their back-and-forth is sharp, unpredictable, and always entertaining, and it’s what makes this black comedy so wildly addictive.

At a time when comedy can often play it safe, The Roses is fearless. It’s a film that feels original, sharp, and uncompromisingly bold, with a style that’s equal parts outrageous and sophisticated. If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy that doubles as a gleeful descent into madness, you’ll find it here.

Savage. Hysterical. Unpredictable. The Roses is one of 2025’s comedy highlights—a film that proves when love turns sour, the results can be devastatingly funny.

Image: 20th Century Studios

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Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), with the help of both old and new mystical allies, travels into the multiverse to face a mysterious new adversary.

Climbing into the director’s chair and taking the reigns of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is noted filmmaker Sam Raimi. An artist whose career has spanned decades across multiple genres and who approaches every film with a fresh eye and unmatched creativity, Raimi makes Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness his own. And long time fans will be thrilled with how he goes to work with this one. Some filmmakers, including the likes of James Gunn and Taika Waititi, have their unique style that blends itself into the MCU seamlessly and that is exactly what we see here in Raimi’s work. Fans who are familiar with his work will note his kinetic action style and seamless mix of good old-fashioned action and quippy dialogue, along with his use of classic crash zooms and whip pans, marks this film as uniquely his.

Raimi’s stance as a horror filmmaker also comes into play in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in a big way, and audiences are up for a serious fright in this latest chapter of the MCU. While I don’t want to jump too directly into the realm of spoilers, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a serious horror film and crosses its dimension-hopping science-fiction elements with utter dark magic, and the horror elements are off the chart. With classic callbacks to the likes of Carrie, The Exorcist, and his classic Evil Dead films, Raimi goes to work on bringing out the horror of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and there are some jump scares that will make you leap out of your seat. This presence of the horror genre in a Marvel Studios film is something completely new and different, and this exploration of an underlying dark supernatural edge is a key component of the film’s intriguing narrative.

The presence of the Multiverse itself also brings about a wonderful place for exploration on Raimi’s behalf and the sheer visual presence of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is striking to look upon. Raimi, along with cinematographer John Mathieson and production designer Charles Wood use up every piece of the screen’s canvas to bring this story to life and the possibility of a seemingly unending series of universes is rife for creative expression. The laws of physics and reality are pulled to extremes in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and it’s a very wild show. One of my favourite moments of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a presentation of these different universes and it’s an utterly visual marvel to look upon, your eyes will be wide with excitement and the visuals that we see on the big screen are a key part to the excitement of this epic film.

Benedict Cumberbatch once again returns to wear the cloak and command the vast magic of the Multiverse as Dr. Stephen Strange and we find him in a brand new place in his life. Having saved the world at great cost due to the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, he’s now a man who is looking for a new path to travel in his life. Until he is pulled directly into the fight for the very existence of the Multiverse itself. As always, Cumberbatch is completely at ease with the action and heroics of Doctor Strange and Raimi’s presence as a director allows the actor to bring out more of his comedic side and there’s a great witty sense of banter that is infused with his performance this time around. The presence of the Multiverse also allows for different sides of Cumberbatch’s Dr. Stephan Strange to be seen on screen and the actor has a grand time getting to portray these different versions of himself which include the heroic ‘Defender Strange’ and the corrupted ‘Sinister Strange’. And audiences had better watch out for these new Strange entities.

Also playing a key role inside the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. And she’s in a very dark place this time around. Following on from the tragic events of WandaVision and the loss of her children, Olsen’s Wanda is now overcome by grief, loss and obsession. And it’s these emotions that compel her actions throughout the film’s narrative. Not wanting to run into spoilers, the best way to describe Wanda’s presence within the film is that of a literal ‘force’ and Raimi gives Olsen room to move in a brand new direction. And she utterly excels in it. Olsen’s performance in the film was one of my most enjoyable parts of watching this film, and I liked how dynamic and intriguing her character was. She did something completely and utterly different with the role and this makes a big impression on-screen.

Those audience members seeking a rush of action with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be well rewarded for their presence with this film and Raimi fills the screen with full-on magical combat. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is an utter fight as the forces of evil battle the balance of light, and aspects of dark magic and sorcery are brought forth and Raimi’s unique cinematic style aids in bringing his own certain blockbuster feeling to the big screen. The film’s drive towards the horror genre also has a big impact on the storytelling that we see here in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and it’s edgy at times to watch. And while I can’t dive into it, the introduction of the Illuminati is a pure WOW factor moment and audiences will be spellbound.

As a long time fan and viewer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I have found that my tastes for its stories lend more toward the fantastical. Films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2, Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Thor: Ragnarok and the original Doctor Strange are films that have made the biggest impact on me and I love the mixture of fantasy, science fiction and just the pure escapism that is a central core of these films. This is exactly what Sam Raimi gives us in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness a film of utter grand wonder and visual splendour and there’s so much to be excited by with this film. And in a post-script, make sure you stay till the end credits, as some terrific post-credit scenes tease at the possibilities to come.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is an utter rush from beginning to end, and long time MCU fans who are looking for excitement and some solid and edgy thrills will be rewarded greatly by this experience. With its scope and vision, this is a film that needs to be viewed on the biggest screen possible and you’ll truly feel the marvel with this genuine blockbuster.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

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The true story of a British businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) unwittingly recruited into one of the greatest international conflicts in history. Forming an unlikely partnership with a Soviet officer hoping to prevent a nuclear confrontation, the two men work together to provide the crucial intelligence used to defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis.

When it comes to performance British thespian Benedict Cumberbatch is one man who always commits above and beyond to his performances and he does just that in The Courier. Known as an actor, and now producer, who wants to attach himself to interesting and thought-provoking work, Cumberbatch and director Dominic Cooke, slip into the murky world of cloak and dagger Cold War espionage as they tell the true story of the world’s most unlikely spy, Greville Wynne, a British businessman who found himself in the midst of extraordinary events and who bore witness to the behind-the-scenes machinations of the Cuban Missile Crisis and who effectively helped to save the world from nuclear destruction.

As Wynne, Cumberbatch dives deep into the role and portrays this unassuming businessman whose only talent appears to be drinking far too much and being ordinary. And this makes him the perfect spy for British and American intelligence to smuggle Soviet secrets between Soviet Russia and his native homeland. Cumberbatch transforms with ease into Wynne and there’s an earnestness and ordinariness about him that quickly erases itself as he becomes more and more involved in his ‘work’ with MI6 and the CIA. For Wynne, his new role as a courier is a good dose of excitement and it’s interesting to see him change and become more daring in his actions as his role develops.

But soon the realities of this very deadly game of cat and mouse begin to show themselves and this is exactly where things get interesting for Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Wynne. As an actor, he has tremendous control of his ability to show emotion and perspective and emotions such as fear, paranoia, guilt and aggression begin to show themselves in his portrayal of Wynne. And this is all very interesting to watch unfold on screen. The audience is most definitely kept on edge due to Cumberbatch’s performance and the result is truly chilling as these historical events play out on screen.

Director Dominic Cooke does a tremendous job of keeping audiences on edge with The Courier and he captures the true reality of post-WWII Cold War spy activity. This is not the sexed-up, globe-trotting escapism of a James Bond narrative, but instead a dark world of double-crossing and backstabbing where discovery could happen at any moment, and the consequences are life-ending for both the agent and everyone they love and adore. This true-life narrative is utterly extraordinary to watch unfold and for those who are seeking a thriller that will pull them in and twist them around, well, you’ve come to the right place with The Courier.

The Courier is an incredible piece of true-life spy fiction to behold and it presents a nerve-racking and intense performance from one of the best working thespians today. For those looking for something different, true to life, and uncompromising, The Courier makes for a compelling and intriguing watch.

Image: Roadshow Films

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Doctor Strange is certainly no different.

This origin story introduces us to the exceptionally talented and ruthlessly arrogant neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes when a devastating car crash cripples his hands. When Western medicine fails him, his search for healing leads him to the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) who reveals a secret world of sorcery and the constant battle against those who subscribe to the dark arts. Strange is faced with the choice of his old life of success and fortune or leaving it all to defend the planet against inter-dimensional threats.

Cumberbatch creates a memorable, charismatic character that’s reminiscent of the ever-popular Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr. while keeping his own unique brand of wit, charm and ego. His exchanges with the enclave librarian, Wong (Benedict Wong) are spliced beautifully between the intense mystical training and philosophical pondering. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a brilliant performance as Strange’s headstrong mentor, Mordo while Swinton brings a fresh take and new personality to the Ancient One, typically portrayed as an old, Nepalese man.

I particularly felt they really got the villain right with Mads Mikkelsen who plays Kaecilius, a former student of the Ancient One gone bad. There’s more depth to his character than the usual mindless hunger for destruction; he was the product of conflicting ideologies when he questioned the teachings of his former master. He certainly wasn’t boring to watch.

I need to take a moment to try and emphasise how mind-bogglingly incredible the visual effects are in this film. Watching a speck-like Strange fall through vast dimensions or a kaleidoscopical Manhattan that would make Christopher Nolan jealous is an experience in itself. I personally recommend seeing this movie in 3D.

As the newest addition to the MCU, Doctor Strange is most definitely welcome and intensely fun to watch. The trademark mid-credit and end-credit scenes leave plenty to speculate on regarding the wider plot as we inevitably lead to the Infinity War.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

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When eminent but vain neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) loses the loss of his hands in a severe car accident he is left broken and in despair. Desperate for a miracle he travels the world, making his way to the Far East where he comes under the tutelage of the mystical Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) who instructs him in the power of magic and the divine. Taking the mantle of the ‘Sorcerer Supreme’ Strange must use his new found power to battle a renegade follower of the Ancient One whose plans for chaos could impact the entire world.

The new trailer showcases a spot on Cumberbatch as Strange, as he is thrown into a world of Escher-like mystery. The trailer also strikes a good balance between Cumberbatch’s Strange and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo. While their relationship will take a different turn from the comics, it is sure to produce plenty of heated exchanges between these cinematic heavy hitters. Mads Mikkelsen also steps out of the shadows and appears to be channeling his unique villain skills as the ferocious and vengeful sorcerer Kaecilius.

Doctor Strange has major importance to Marvel’s Phase Three, not just because it is the launch pad for a brand new hero, but because it’s introducing the concept of magic into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. Doctor Strange also ties into the greater cosmos setting that Marvel are pushing towards with Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2, and the impending showdown between the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Josh Brolin’s celestial titan Thanos.

Marvel fans will have a lot to look forward to when Doctor Strange is released in cinemas on October 27 in New Zealand and Australia, on October 28 the UK and in the US on November 4.

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