Exploring the Love Triangle in Celine Song’s Materialists: A Review
An Intriguing Setup
In her follow-up to the critically acclaimed Past Lives, Celine Song returns with Materialists, a film that delves into the complexities of modern romance through a captivating love triangle. Starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, the movie grapples with the eternal battle between attraction and practicality as it navigates the intricate dynamics of love and finance.
Plot Overview: A Matchmaker’s Dilemma
Set against the backdrop of the expensive landscape of New York, Materialists introduces us to Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a top-tier matchmaker whose approach to love is grounded in practicality. While she champions love stories—having successfully married off nine clients—Lucy’s criteria are often dictated by financial stability, height, and age.
Enter the Love Interests
At a lavish wedding, Lucy encounters Harry (Pedro Pascal), a stranger who defies her typical matchmaking standards. Described as a “unicorn”—a matchmaker’s dream—Harry aims to date Lucy rather than hire her services. Complicating matters is the return of her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a struggling actor catering at the wedding, whose financial woes starkly contrast with Harry’s wealth.
A Sharp Exploration of Modern Love
A24’s release of Materialists on June 13, 2025, seeks to dissect the often-tumultuous relationship between money and love. The film is a reflection on how fiscal concerns shape emotional connections, presenting a narrative that feels both relatable and fresh in its exploration of complex human emotions.
Visual Splendor and Character Nuance
Teaming up once again with cinematographer Shabier Kirchner, Song captures the contrasting worlds of New York’s affluent society and the struggling artist scene with exceptional clarity. The richly nuanced characters and thoughtful dialogues elevate the film beyond mere romantic comedy, diving deep into the themes of contentment versus passion and happiness versus financial security.
Dakota Johnson’s Complex Portrayal
Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Lucy is particularly challenging. The character could easily fall into the cliché of a superficial social climber, yet Johnson infuses Lucy with empathy and depth. Her journey from a guarded professional to someone experiencing the vulnerabilities of love creates a compelling arc. The film elicits sympathy for her character’s choices, examining the rationale behind her stark beliefs about wealth and relationships.
The Magnetic Performances of Pascal and Evans
Pedro Pascal brings multidimensional charm to Harry, slowly dismantling Lucy’s emotional barriers with his own brand of warmth. His character challenges her preconceptions, creating moments of tension that keep viewers engaged. Meanwhile, Chris Evans’ performance as John showcases a heartbreaking sincerity as he grapples with his feelings for Lucy, aware of his lacking financial status.
Flaws in the Narrative Structure
While Materialists grips the audience with its fresh take on romance, the film’s second half stumbles across some predictable plot developments and resolutions. Unlike the philosophical explorations of fate found in Past Lives, Song’s latest work leans into the practicalities of love in a world driven by material wealth. Though occasionally falling into predictable patterns, the film remains a riveting exploration of the human heart.
Conclusion: A Must-See for Date Night
Materialists invites viewers to engage with the intricate dance of love, money, and personal choice. Slated for a nationwide release by A24, it promises to be a compelling date-night option for those seeking a thought-provoking story that resonates with the realities of modern love.
Production Details
- Director/Screenwriter: Celine Song
- Distribution: A24 (US), Sony Pictures (International)
- Cinematographer: Shabier Kirchner
- Main Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, among others
In a world where the heart often contends with the pocketbook, Materialists strikes a chord that many may find unsettlingly familiar. Whether you’re an aficionado of romantic dramas or simply seeking a captivating story, this film is poised to leave a lasting impression.
