The War of the Roses

Right now you can watch The War of the Roses in Australia on Disney Plus — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Michael Douglas is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

The War of the Roses arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. The jokes in The War of the Roses land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Barbara and Oliver Rose live happily as a married couple. When Barbara starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver and likes what she sees, the two begin a campaign to force each other to leave their house, with their divorce lawyer D'Amato caught in the middle. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1989. What keeps The War of the Roses from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The War of the Roses respects your intelligence. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Michael Douglas is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.