The star of this show isn’t the actors – it’s the script, specifically writer Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Poor Things), who delivers an old-school two-hander with real wit and depth.
Straight out of the gate, the quality of the dialogue stands out. I thought, Hmm, this has to be a mature, savvy writer? Smug moment! McNamara is an Australian, aged 57. The film is based on the novel by Warren Adler, and some may remember the 1989 version starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner?
This release stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo and Olivia Colman as his wife Ivy, who fall in love via a chance encounter in a restaurant kitchen. Their marriage takes them from his initial success as an architect to her stay-at-home-mum cooking. The couple seem devoted, for example, he finds an old building and suggests a startup restaurant. However, as the years go by, their roles reverse, his career collapses (literally), and her restaurant gets noticed.
You will be engaged by a story that explores the fine line between love and hate, and the power dynamics and resentments that whittle away a long-term relationship. Colman, as ever, plays a bewildered pekingese, and Cumberbatch is at his crisp, enunciating finest. One is certainly convinced of the couple’s latter-day hatred, but as for their earlier-in-the-relationship romanticals… no one’s fooling anyone. There’s more chemistry in your Monday morning Zoom. (Though both actors try their ardent, drama-school best.)
The supporting cast, particularly Kate McKinnon (Barbie), delivers a great comedic turn as their friend Amy. Allison Janney as a ruthless lawyer-with-Rottweiler doesn’t disappoint, and when the lawyers go off script to discuss their social calendar—oh, the irony!
Directed by veteran Jay Roach (a long and worthy list of credits), this film is poetry to the ears. Yes, it ventures into the darker places relationships can go, but ultimately, it’s rescued by genuine wit—and a cast, crew, writer and director who all know their onions, and how to cut them.

My Rating:       Thorny, sharp and bloomin’ good fun!
                             …and an Oscar for Best Screenplay!