A Cynical Rom-Com Missing the Right Ingredients
Materialists attempts to breathe fresh life into the romantic comedy genre, but ultimately falls short of delivering the heart and humor that audiences crave. In director Celine Song’s sophomore feature, we meet Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a modern matchmaker who intertwines her own complicated love life with those of her clients, proving that the quest for romance is more than just a numbers game.
A Meet-Cute with a Twist
The film introduces us to Lucy, a beautiful matchmaker who navigates the complexities of modern dating. Distinctly different from classic romantic setups, Materialists portrays a world where love seems contingent upon specific metrics—height, age, and income are weighted more heavily than chemistry or connection. This idea captures a jaded view of relationships that echoes Jane Austen but lacks the warmth of her narratives.
The Characters: Engaging Yet Flawed
As Lucy grapples with her own insecurities, we find her recounting dinner conversations with Harry (Pedro Pascal). Here, she reveals herself as a debt-laden college dropout, measuring her self-worth against a backdrop of societal expectations. As she contemplates why a wealthy finance guy would choose her over a younger woman unmarred by financial woes, viewers cannot help but feel her frustration.
Meanwhile, we meet Lucy’s ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a struggling actor living paycheck to paycheck. Despite his charm and attentiveness, John is painted as less attractive through the film’s cynical lens. In the world of Materialists, compassion and kindness are overshadowed by harsh societal judgments.
A Nod to Austen, But Lacking Emotional Resonance
Song crafts Lucy to mirror literary heroines like Elizabeth Bennet, yet there’s something amiss in her portrayal. Dakota Johnson delivers a commendable performance, infusing humor that feels genuine amidst self-deprecation. However, her chemistry with Evans fails to set the screen ablaze, leaving audiences longing for more.
Pascal shines as Harry, providing a playful counterbalance to Lucy’s self-inflicted negativity. Still, the emotional high stakes are muddled at best, creating a disconnect that hinders the audience from fully investing in the characters’ journeys.
A Droll Attempt at Satire
Despite a clever twist in the final act, Materialists struggles to deliver the laughter expected from a romantic comedy. The film leans heavily on stingy humor, equating cruelty with sharp social critique. While it captures the superficiality rampant in contemporary dating, it often sacrifices the heartwarming charm that should accompany such tales.
Just as Austen and her contemporaries created rich, immersive worlds filled with relatable characters, Materialists appears to neglect the importance of offering a compelling narrative that leaves audiences empathetic and entertained. Instead, it provides a bleak exploration of love that may resonate with some, but ultimately lacks the universal appeal of its influences.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Materialists is a thought-provoking examination of modern relationships but fails to deliver the warmth and humor inherent to the romantic comedy genre. While it bravely tackles the complexities of self-worth and societal expectations, audiences might leave the theater wondering what went wrong.
As Materialists continues its theatrical run, one can’t help but reflect on the elements that make romantic comedies timeless. Perhaps with a few more vital ingredients—authenticity, warmth, and connection—future endeavors in this genre can hit the sweet spot that Materialists just misses.
For more on romantic comedies and what makes them special, check out this article, which delves into the evolving landscape of love stories on screen.
