The dark comedy The Roses has claimed the number one spot on Hulu, according to the streaming platform's own public ranking system. This places the film at the forefront of subscriber viewership, proving its immediate popularity despite a divisive critical reception.
A Star-Studded Reimagining
The Roses serves as a modern reimagining of Warren Adler’s novel The War of the Roses and its famous 1989 film adaptation. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who play Ivy and Theo, a couple whose seemingly perfect marriage begins to disintegrate. The central conflict arises when Theo's career unexpectedly plummets just as Ivy's professional star begins to rise.
The film is further bolstered by a strong supporting cast that includes Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Kate McKinnon.
Critical Reception and Streaming Trends
While Hulu subscribers have made the film a clear hit, it faced a different reality from critics following its theatrical release this summer. Some reviewers panned the update, labeling it as overly glossy and asserting that it pales next to the original classic. This contrast highlights the often-diverging tastes between professional critics and general audiences in the streaming era.
What Else is Trending on Streaming Services?
Beyond Hulu, other major platforms are also showcasing their most-watched titles. Over on Netflix, the top movie is the holiday film Champagne Problems. This festive story stars Minka Kelly as an ambitious executive who travels to Paris to acquire a prestigious champagne brand, only to have her plans complicated when she falls for the handsome heir to the empire. The cast also features Tom Wozniczka, Thibault de Montalembert, and Flula Borg.
On HBO Max, the leading film is The Conjuring: Last Rites. This installment, touted as the fourth and allegedly final chapter in the popular horror franchise, sees the return of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their last case takes them to 1986 Pennsylvania to confront a demon terrorizing a family. Ben Hardy and Mia Tomlinson also star.
Prime Video users are flocking to the psychological drama After the Hunt. The film features Julia Roberts as a college professor thrust into a personal and professional crisis. The situation unfolds when one of her star students, played by Ayo Edebiri, levels an accusation against a colleague, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, which threatens to unearth a dark secret from the professor's own past. The cast is rounded out by Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny.
For those seeking more curated viewing options this fall, checking out dedicated entertainment blogs for the latest What We’re Watching recommendations is a great next step.
