The War of the Roses

The War of the Roses

Year: 1989

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

ThrillerComedy

A once-strong marriage between Barbara and Oliver Rose deteriorates into a destructive and comedic fight for their luxurious home. Their children are caught in the crossfire as the couple’s conflict intensifies. A shrewd lawyer attempts to mediate, but the situation spirals further out of control, revealing the deep-seated resentments and escalating animosity between Barbara and Oliver.

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Timeline – The War of the Roses (1989)

Trace every key event in The War of the Roses (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Auction Encounter

Harvard Law student Oliver Rose meets Barbara at an auction where they both compete for the same antique. Their initial rivalry quickly ignites into undeniable chemistry, sparking the beginning of a passionate relationship.

Auction House
2

Marriage and Family

Oliver and Barbara's relationship blossoms into marriage, leading to the expansion of their family. They establish a home in Washington, D.C., where they raise two children, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.

Washington, D.C.
3

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

As the years pass, Oliver immerses himself in his career, striving for success and financial prosperity. Meanwhile, Barbara dedicates herself to making their house a perfect home, filled with material comforts that reflect their growing wealth.

4

The Empty Nest Syndrome

With their children preparing to leave for college, Barbara begins to feel a deep sense of emptiness. Reflecting on her sacrifices for the family and resentful of Oliver's work obsession, she seeks something more fulfilling.

5

Barbara's New Venture

In an effort to regain her independence, Barbara decides to start her own catering business. This decision marks a pivotal moment in her journey as she strives to assert her identity beyond being just a mother and wife.

6

Oliver's Health Scare

Oliver faces a serious health scare, which leads him to write a heartfelt love note to Barbara, fearing the worst. This moment reveals his vulnerability, but it also serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of their marriage.

7

Barbara's Joyful Revelation

Upon Oliver's return home, an aloof Barbara reveals that his potential death gave her a sense of freedom. This shocking admission marks a breaking point for their relationship, as she expresses her desire for a divorce.

8

The Lawyer Meeting

In a tense meeting with Barbara's lawyer, the air thickens as she demands the house and its furnishings. The revelation of Oliver's love note deepens their conflict, highlighting the complexities of love and ownership in their marriage.

9

Exploring Legal Loopholes

Desperate to keep his home, Oliver exploits a legal loophole suggested by his unscrupulous colleague Gavin. This maneuver reveals Oliver's increasing desperation to maintain control over his life crumbling around him.

10

Copying Barbara's Revenge

After an unfortunate incident where Oliver accidentally runs over Barbara's cat, tensions between them escalate. This leads to a confrontational response from Barbara, who retaliates with an extreme act of revenge.

11

The Humiliating Dinner

During a disastrous dinner event, Oliver humiliates himself and Barbara by urinating on the dinner food. The chaotic scene serves as a breaking point, resulting in a volatile confrontation that destroys cherished memories.

12

Climactic Confrontation

In a final showdown, Oliver and Barbara physically assault each other, culminating in a frantic struggle in the attic. This intense moment showcases the depths of their animosity, leading to a catastrophic chain of events.

Attic
13

The Chandelier Incident

As their fight escalates, Oliver confesses his enduring love for Barbara while they dangle precariously from a chandelier. This poignant moment encapsulates the paradox of their relationship amid chaos, before tragedy strikes.

Attic
14

Final Moments

In their last moments together, as the chandelier collapses beneath them, Barbara pushes Oliver away, solidifying their irreparable rift. This heartbreaking act resonates as their love story devolves into profound hatred.

Attic
15

Gavin's Reflection

Gavin reflects on the tumultuous saga of Oliver and Barbara after their departure. Inspired by their experiences, he contemplates his own marriage and the nature of love, realizing the significance of connection amidst chaos.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:20

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Dark Comedies About Toxic Couples Like The War of the Roses

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Stories in this thread typically follow a linear escalation, beginning with a seemingly stable partnership that unravels due to long-simmering issues. The plot is driven by a series of increasingly petty and destructive retaliatory acts, transforming a personal relationship into a high-stakes, often ludicrous, competition with no winners.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern focuses on characters who are physically or emotionally trapped in a shared environment. The conflict is internal and intimate, fed by proximity and shared history. The plot unfolds through a series of confrontations and power struggles within the confined space, leading to a bleak realization of inescapable mutual harm.

Why These Movies?

These films share a potent mix of high intensity and a steady, methodical pacing that makes the tension feel inescapable. The mood is consistently tense, bitter, and claustrophobic, driven by a dark tone and themes of psychological cruelty and materialism within a domestic setting.

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The War of the Roses Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The War of the Roses

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The War of the Roses

The War of the Roses Spoiler-Free Summary

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The War of the Roses Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The War of the Roses

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