Olivia Colman admits she was uncomfortable with The Roses script as she and Benedict Cumberbatch defend domestic violence ‘jokes’ amid controversy over ‘dangerous’ allergy scene

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In their latest movie, The Roses, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch have spoken up about the humor surrounding domestic violence that is present within the film.

As a devoted admirer of cinema, I’m thrilled to be part of the excitement surrounding a fresh production where two beloved figures from the small screen, a 51-year-old actress who charmed us in Peep Show, and a 49-year-old actor known for his captivating portrayal in Sherlock, collaborate. In this new film, they play a husband and wife duo whose relentless competition proves detrimental to their once cherished marriage.

Yet, the movie isn’t merely about a marital collapse; rather, it portrays the escalating destructive behavior between Ivy and Theo, which at times turns physically harmful.

In this scenario, Theo intentionally gives his wife food that she’s allergic to, keeping her EpiPen away until she consents to divorce documents. Afterward, Ivy retrieves a gun and pursues her husband throughout the house, attempting to shoot him in self-defense or anger.

Theo intentionally serves food known to trigger his wife’s allergies while withholding her EpiPen until she signs divorce papers. In response, Ivy retrieves a gun and chases her husband around the house, trying to fire at him out of fear or anger.

In one sequence, Ivy falsely portrays herself as having been physically harmed by Theo, a plot point that Olivia recently disclosed made her feel uneasy.

In the end, she confessed she was persuaded, and Benedict noted that serious situations can sometimes be humorously portrayed through physical humor, though it may not require a disclaimer like “do not attempt at home.

In an interview with Radio Times, Olivia commented on the scene: “I felt quite uneasy, yet it’s not intended to belittle or make fun of anyone who has experienced harm.

She appears to be asserting quite bluntly, “He’s a terrible person, let the world know about it.” Such harsh words seem unnecessary given he wouldn’t behave in such a manner.

Olivia went on to say that despite her reservations she was convinced to do the scene. 

Expressing his viewpoint about the situation, Benedict emphasized that it was crucial to convey a serious tone to illustrate that physical violence should never be portrayed as humorous.

In our world, there’s not just verbal communication, but also using physical humor, something that persists even today, he noted, without the need for the cautionary phrase, “Please don’t imitate this at home.

Following a prominent charity’s call, the movie is being recommended to include a warning due to its potentially triggering and risky portrayal of an allergy scene that may be sensitive or problematic for some viewers.

In a striking turn of events portrayed in the movie, Theo chooses to feed his wife food she is allergic to and deliberately withholds her EpiPen. This action drew criticism from the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, who expressed concern over the scene being potentially ‘triggering’ and ‘risky’.

It’s not at all amusing to withhold essential lifesaving medication such as an adrenaline auto-injector (like EpiPen or Jext) during a critical health situation, given that serious food allergies pose a real threat to countless individuals.

These depictions aren’t simply upsetting, they’re hazardous. Joking about food allergies and anaphylaxis for mere amusement is reckless, disrespectful, and unjustifiable. It underscores even more the necessity of our ongoing efforts to inform and enlighten others about the genuine risks and challenges associated with having food allergies.

‘Natasha’s Foundation will be contacting the filmmakers directly.’

A person who uses an EpiPen, after watching the movie ‘The Roses’, expressed their feelings: “We watched The Roses at the cinema… absolutely shocked and deeply affected by the scenes depicting severe allergic reactions caused intentionally. I’m still shaking. It was a terrifying portrayal of life-threatening food allergies.

It’s more concerning to them that not a single individual from the large group responsible for making movies spoke up about how harmful and inappropriate this was.

A person with dual roles as a physician and mother of allergy-afflicted children expressed concern, stating that such portrayals are distressing. Allergic reactions should not be trivialized as comedy elements; instead, they represent medical urgencies that demand immediate attention. Such depictions may perpetuate harmful misconceptions and underestimate the gravity of anaphylactic situations.

The producers of The Roses were contacted for comment. 

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed an uptick in discussions surrounding the beloved duo of The Roses following a revelation by the Daily Mail – a surprising disconnect between Benedict and Olivia during the filming of our favorite movie.

According to reports, although both actors were eager to collaborate, there were tensions on set due to a clash in working styles. Benedict, known for his intense method acting, often found himself at odds with Olivia’s straightforward, efficient approach.

Last month, an informant shared with The Mail on Sunday: “The Roses production team had thought it would be relatively simple and uncomplicated – centering around a couple who dislike each other deeply.

However, on occasions, Benedict seemed to regard the role as if it were a Shakespearean drama, keenly intending to deeply engage with his character. Indeed, this approach is quite appropriate.

Olivia tends to be action-oriented, avoiding unnecessary delays. The comedy, however, seems to have been crafted with an excessive amount of contemplation.

The interaction between them wasn’t particularly harmonious. It was more like a humorous romantic comedy, a genre slightly different from the idealistic romances Benedict had previously been involved in.

After the filming, which occurred in both Salcombe, South Devon and Los Angeles, it remains uncertain whether their relationship has continued.

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2025-09-02 13:33