Materialists: A Self-Aware Rom-Com Worth Watching
Celine Song’s sophomore film, Materialists, is a delightful examination of love, relationships, and the pressures of modern romance. Following her critically acclaimed debut, Past Lives, Song dives into the world of romantic comedy, expertly blending humor with depth in her narrative about a woman navigating the labyrinth of love in a fast-paced urban landscape.
The Premise: A String of Choices
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan, Materialists centers around Lucy, portrayed with charm by Dakota Johnson. Lucy is a self-made matchmaker entrenched in the world of dating algorithms, where she views love through the lens of equations and metrics. With two men vying for her affections—Harry (the charming Pedro Pascal) and John (the earnest Chris Evans)—the film explores Lucy’s complex relationship with her past and how it shapes her present.
Love in the Age of Algorithms
Lucy’s approach to matchmaking embraces the modern idea of love as a transaction. Her meticulous attention to detail—financial stability, appearance, and compatibility—mirrors a growing trend in contemporary dating culture, where individuals often reduce potential partners to a checklist. Lucy’s success as a matchmaker illustrates that while this method may work for some, it risks sidelining the emotional nuances that relationships require.
The ‘Unicorn’ Factor
Upon meeting Harry, both Lucy and her co-worker Daisy (Dasha Nekrasova) dub him a “unicorn”—a man who possesses qualities that seem hard to find: wealth, good looks, and charisma. Lucy’s skepticism about why such a desirable man would choose her adds intrigue. In the Manhattan dating scene, where expectations run high, Lucy’s confusion blends humor with genuine introspection, prompting viewers to consider what truly makes a relationship meaningful.
Flashbacks and the Weight of the Past
As the narrative unfolds, flashbacks enrich our understanding of Lucy’s past relationship with John, who she encounters at a wedding. Their once-passionate love was marred by financial insecurity. This exploration of her earlier life hints at the emotional baggage many carry into new relationships, presenting the age-old dilemma of choosing between wealth and genuine connection.
The Impact of Modern Dating Dynamics
Song effectively comments on the ramifications of online dating through Lucy’s interactions. Characters often articulate their “wants” and “needs” as if reading from a shopping list, reducing intimate connections to mere data points. The film provocatively critiques this “market”-style approach to love, asking whether emotional connection can withstand the cold calculations of modern dating platforms.
A Cinematic Look at Love
Shabier Kirchner’s cinematography offers a stunning window into both the affluent world of Harry and the more modest lifestyle of John. Each setting serves as a backdrop for Lucy’s inner turmoil, as the contrast between opulence and simplicity reflects her internal conflict. However, while the film excels visually, Song’s script occasionally stumbles.
Near Misses in Narrative Execution
At times, the dialogue veers toward exposition, causing characters to sound less like anatomically-fleshed-out individuals and more like mouthpieces for the film’s themes. As we approach the climax, Lucy’s character choices seem driven by the narrative’s demands rather than organic character development, risking believability in her evolution.
Tension and Trauma: A Plot Twist
A pivotal moment involving Lucy’s client, Sophie (Zoe Winters), brings an unexpected darkness to the narrative, showcasing the potential dangers of modern dating. However, this shift raises questions about why a seasoned matchmaker would need such a jarring experience to awaken her insight into romantic significance.
Final Thoughts: A Complex Conclusion
Materialists ultimately wrestles with the dilemma of “for love or money.” While it shines a light on the absurdities of contemporary romance, it occasionally slips into territory already well-explored in the genre without fully interrogating the implications.
Score: ★★★☆☆
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova
Director & Screenwriter: Celine Song
Distributor: A24
Running Time: 116 min
Rating: R
Year: 2025
With its clever commentary and engaging performances, Materialists offers a refreshing take on the rom-com genre that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As love continues to evolve in the digital age, this film serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and embrace the complexities that truly define our connections with others.
