Quick Read
- ‘The Roses’ underperformed at the box office but became a streaming hit on Hulu in late 2025.
- The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as a couple whose marriage unravels.
- Critics praised the performances but felt the comedy could be sharper.
- ‘Wicked: For Good’ soundtrack, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, soared on streaming platforms.
- Streamer awards in 2025 are redefining how success and recognition are measured in entertainment.
‘The Roses’: From Box Office Disappointment to Streaming Triumph
When The Roses premiered in August 2025, expectations were sky-high. With a cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, a screenplay from Tony McNamara, and direction by Jay Roach, the film seemed destined for critical and commercial glory. Early reviews praised its sharp wit and darkly comic take on divorce, and the movie was billed as a strong awards contender. But reality intervened: overshadowed by blockbuster franchises, The Roses struggled to make an impression in theaters, ultimately grossing $52 million against a $30 million budget. While not a financial disaster, the numbers painted it as a letdown, especially given its pedigree and the pre-release hype.
Yet, as 2025 drew to a close, the narrative shifted dramatically. The film found new life on Hulu, quickly rising into the platform’s Top 5 most-streamed movies. Viewers who missed it in cinemas—or perhaps didn’t recognize its potential—flocked to their screens, sparking a wave of online enthusiasm. This isn’t the first time streaming has rescued a theatrical underperformer: The Roses joins the ranks of films like The Greatest Showman and Game Night, which were similarly revitalized by digital audiences.
Awards Buzz and Critical Response: Streaming’s New Power
Critics, including Collider‘s Ross Bonaime, lauded the performances, especially Olivia Colman’s return to her comedic roots and Cumberbatch’s rare foray into comedy. Bonaime noted, “It’s fantastic to see Colman go back to her comedic origins here, which won her an Oscar for The Favourite,” and added, “It’s great to see Cumberbatch also let loose.” Still, the film’s dark comedic edge was seen as somewhat blunted, leaving some critics wanting more. The online audience, however, seemed less concerned with these nuances, embracing the film’s blend of drama and humor and sharing their reactions across social media.
This groundswell of streaming popularity has not only salvaged the film’s reputation but also thrust it back into the awards conversation. In an era where digital viewership can rival or even eclipse box office returns, the streamer awards circuit has become a crucial arena for films that might otherwise be forgotten. As Hollywood recalibrates its understanding of success, the story of The Roses illustrates how streaming can revive and reward artistry overlooked by traditional metrics.
‘Wicked: For Good’ – Soundtrack Soars on Streaming
While The Roses was finding its audience on Hulu, another major production was making waves in the streaming world: the original motion picture score for Wicked: For Good. Released by Republic and available everywhere online, the album features compositions by Academy Award nominee John Powell and GRAMMY/Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the architect of the beloved Wicked stage musical.
The score, lauded for its emotional depth and sweeping orchestration, marks the epic conclusion of the witches of Oz saga. Highlights include the powerful “A Wicked Good Finale,” performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—both award-winning artists whose involvement has amplified the score’s reach. Powell and Schwartz’s collaboration reimagines familiar themes, such as “Defying Gravity” and “No Good Deed,” giving them new life for a digital audience.
Following last year’s critically acclaimed soundtrack (nominated for two GRAMMY Awards), Wicked: For Good continues to dominate streaming charts, with fans and critics alike praising its innovation and emotional impact. The success of the soundtrack on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music demonstrates how streaming is not only a lifeline for films but also for their musical companions, bringing orchestral scores to millions who might never set foot in a cinema or theater.
The Streamer Awards: Redefining Success and Recognition
In 2025, the streamer awards have become more than just a consolation for box office underdogs—they’re a genuine measure of cultural impact. Unlike traditional awards, which often privilege theatrical releases, streamer awards recognize the unique power of online engagement. The journeys of The Roses and Wicked: For Good highlight how digital platforms are reshaping the landscape: a film or soundtrack’s initial fate may be sealed by ticket sales, but its ultimate legacy is determined by its life online.
This shift has profound implications for creators, studios, and audiences. For performers like Colman and Cumberbatch, streaming offers a second chance to connect with viewers, often in more intimate, personal ways. For composers like Powell and Schwartz, digital distribution means their music can reach a broader, more diverse audience than ever before. And for audiences, it signals a new era of accessibility—where the best work, regardless of its opening weekend, can be discovered, shared, and celebrated on a global scale.
The streamer awards also prompt a larger question: What does success look like in a world where traditional boundaries are breaking down? Is it measured by box office receipts, critical acclaim, or the passionate response of millions of online viewers?
As 2025 draws to a close, one thing is clear: streaming platforms are no longer an afterthought. They are the beating heart of contemporary entertainment, giving new life to overlooked films and soundtracks, and offering artists—and audiences—fresh opportunities for recognition. The stories of ‘The Roses’ and ‘Wicked: For Good’ prove that in the age of the streamer awards, true success is measured not just by numbers, but by the enduring connection between creators and their viewers.