Materialists: A Fresh Take on Romance in a Modern World
An Unexpected Beginning
In a landscape often littered with predictable tropes, Materialists begins its journey in the most unromantic of settings: a cave. This unexpected opening, featuring a captivating wordless prologue where a caveman gifts a cavewoman a wedding ring made of flowers, sets an intriguing tone. Here, writer-director Celine Song deftly subverts expectations, proposing that love is a primal, timeless force.
A Unique Perspective on Rom-Coms
Materialists is not your typical romantic comedy. Much like Song’s acclaimed 2023 film Past Lives, this narrative offers a mature, thoughtful exploration of adult relationships. It centers around Lucy, played impeccably by Dakota Johnson, a New York matchmaker whose professional life expertly orchestrates love but is paradoxically chaotic personally. Lucy finds herself entangled between two suitors: the charmingly wealthy Harry (played by Pedro Pascal) and her underprivileged ex, John (the ever-charismatic Chris Evans).
A Battle of Wits and Ideas
In this cinematic tapestry, Song leans heavily on her playwright background, delivering a densely written script filled with clever dialogues that tackle modern romance. Characters engage in thought-provoking debates, sharing varying views like:
- “Love is the last religion.”
- “Marriage is a business deal.”
- “It’s just dating — it’s not that serious.”
- “Who our partner is determines our whole life.”
These discussions not only add depth but also challenge conventional romantic norms.
The Reality of Modern Dating
At its core, Materialists grapples with dating as a commodity, exploring how individuals are often objectified in the process. The film poses a crucial question: how do you navigate a system where dating can feel like a transaction, rife with superficial judgments of status and worth? One character starkly notes the risks of modern dating, particularly from a woman’s perspective, adding a layer of realism to this otherwise glossy narrative.
Cynical Yet Hopeful
While the film maintains a cynical outlook, it remains rooted in hope. The delightful performances from its impeccably dressed leads provide a visual feast—gorgeous characters tackling romance with intelligence and grace. Nevertheless, the film may lack the raw sexual tension and yearning found in Past Lives, yet it compensates with a sense of fulfillment. As our characters navigate the often murky waters of love, we find ourselves reconnecting with the ancient need to make sense of these profound emotions.
Conclusion: A Dual Nature
Materialists ultimately proves to be a unique addition to the romantic comedy genre. It is a razor-sharp exploration of the competitive dating landscape, skillfully balancing honesty and idealistic romanticism.
For more insights on romantic films, check out Empire’s Best Romantic Movies and explore other films by Celine Song.
Experience Materialists as it challenges romantic conventions while offering a rich, cerebral viewing experience—a must-see for anyone seeking depth in their cinematic rom-coms.
