When dark comedies push boundaries, reactions can be mixed.
That’s exactly what’s happening with The Roses, the newly released film starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
While it was meant to be a satirical take on a couple’s bitter rivalry, one shocking scene has now triggered outrage and a call for a warning label.
The Scene That Crossed a Line
In the film, Cumberbatch’s character deliberately serves his wife food he knows she’s allergic to, then withholds her EpiPen until she agrees to sign divorce papers.
It’s intended as part of the twisted humor in the story — but for many, it’s anything but funny.
Allergy Charity Speaks Out
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has condemned the scene as “triggering” and “dangerous.”
In a statement, the charity stressed that withholding life-saving medication in an emergency is not a joke, pointing out that food allergies affect countless lives.
They added that using the threat of anaphylaxis as comedy material is not only offensive but could also reinforce harmful myths.
The foundation confirmed they plan to contact the filmmakers directly.
Reactions From the Public
The backlash hasn’t just come from charities. Viewers with personal experience of allergies have spoken out strongly.
One EpiPen user described leaving the cinema “shaking” after watching the scene, calling it “traumatising.”
Another audience member, both a doctor and a parent of children with allergies, warned that the portrayal could make people underestimate how dangerous allergic reactions really are.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time The Roses has made headlines.
Reports surfaced earlier that Colman and Cumberbatch didn’t always see eye to eye during filming.
While both actors were excited to collaborate, their very different working styles clashed.
Cumberbatch leaned into deep “method” acting, while Colman preferred a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.
Insiders suggested this tension impacted their on-screen chemistry.
Filming Locations and Production Details
The movie was shot in both Salcombe, south Devon, and Los Angeles, blending British and Hollywood backdrops.
Despite any off-screen friction, both actors bring heavyweight credentials: Colman, 51, is an Oscar-winning actress known for roles in The Crown and The Favourite, while Cumberbatch, 49, has been twice nominated for an Academy Award and is celebrated for his theatre and film work.
A New Take on an Old Classic
The Roses is loosely based on the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses.
The updated version follows Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Colman), a seemingly perfect couple with enviable careers, children, and a glamorous lifestyle.
But beneath the polished exterior lies simmering resentment and fierce competition.
When Theo’s career falls apart, the façade crumbles, sparking a battle that turns their marriage into a destructive war.
What Happens Next?
With complaints pouring in, the controversy now hangs over the film’s release.
The producers have yet to respond to the criticism, but the pressure from charities and audiences alike suggests this debate isn’t ending soon.
Whether the film’s edgy humor will be defended as art or condemned as irresponsible remains to be seen.
