Benedict Cumberbatch’s satirical film The Roses has started gaining momentum a week after its release, demonstrating the actor’s ability to attract audiences despite tough competition. The film, released amid other major Hollywood titles such as Weapons, Superman, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and The Conjuring 4: Last Rites, has shown resilience by climbing steadily at the box office, especially overseas.
Featuring Olivia Colman alongside Cumberbatch, The Roses is a modern adaptation of the 1989 film The War of the Roses, which itself was based on Warren Adler’s novel. This updated version has connected with international audiences, contributing to its growing financial success.
International Success Drives Global Earnings Above $32 Million
According to Box Office Mojo, The Roses has garnered over $32 million worldwide, with the majority of this revenue—approximately $20 million—coming from international markets, surpassing Bob Odenkirk’s action sequel Nobody 2, which recorded around $15.7 million abroad. The breakdown shows $12.2 million earned in North America and $20 million internationally, forming a solid global total of $32.2 million.
While Nobody 2 holds a lead in total revenue with just over $37 million, largely due to a stronger reception in North America, The Roses is catching up quickly. The earlier release of Nobody 2 on August 13 compared to The Roses’ later debut means that Cumberbatch’s film is accumulating revenue at a faster pace, signaling a promising upward trend.
Domestic Weekend Surge Signals Nearing Break-Even Point
The Roses is approaching its reported $20 million production budget, aided by a strong domestic three-day weekend haul of nearly $3 million. This figure sharply contrasts with Nobody 2’s much smaller $350,000 take over the same period, marking an increase of roughly 757%. After several days of earning below $1 million daily, The Roses experienced a substantial rebound last Friday, with box office receipts rising by 86.7% to about $784,000, followed by another 53.1% increase on Saturday, reaching around $1.2 million.
Should this momentum persist, The Roses is likely to surpass Nobody 2’s total earnings and enter a profitable phase. The film’s growth offers relief to its creators and performers, who have faced a challenging box office environment filled with big-budget releases and established franchises.
Consistent Performance Amid Strong Competition Offers Hope for Profitability
Despite opening domestically with a modest $2.4 million, The Roses has steadily expanded its audience and revenue, maintaining relatively stable theater counts. This consistency suggests that the film is carving out a sustainable route toward profitability. It highlights how a steady increase in box office returns, combined with a strong star presence and an appeal to international markets, can counterbalance the dominance of other large-scale releases.
The Roses exemplifies how perseverance in a competitive market can gradually build success, reflecting a hopeful outlook for similar projects. This trajectory shows that box office growth does not always require an explosive debut but can emerge from patient, consistent audience engagement.
