"Materialists" Review: Dakota Johnson Navigates Love Across Tax Brackets
Dakota Johnson is no stranger to captivating roles, yet in Celine Song’s latest offering, "Materialists," she ventures into new emotional depths. As a third-generation celebrity, Johnson has crafted a persona rife with complexity, embodying the kind of femme fatale that sparks intrigue and temptation. But this time, her character, Lucy, is more than a mere seductress—she is a mirror reflecting our 21st-century relationship crisis and the societal pressures tied to love and financial stability.
A Matchmaker’s Dilemma
In "Materialists," Johnson’s portrayal of Lucy reveals the struggles of modern dating amid fiscal pressures. Working as a Manhattan matchmaker, Lucy boasts the sharp analytical skills of a life insurance broker. She reduces potential partners to mere statistics—height, education, and bank balance. With a dispassionate tongue, she delivers snide remarks, such as critiquing a friend’s new relationship by observing, “He’s a 5-foot-7 depressed novelist who’s never been published—he couldn’t do better.”
This biting commentary isn’t just entertaining; it encapsulates the film’s exploration of love as a transaction. Lucy’s profession forces her to grapple with the superficial demands of her clientele, revealing the dark humor embedded within her profession.
Love Triangles and Incongruities
Through Lucy’s lens, we encounter two suitors: Harry (played by Pedro Pascal), a private equity whiz, and John (played by Chris Evans), a struggling actor. Johnson’s chemistry is palpable with both men, yet her emotional turmoil becomes evident as she assesses their worth through her monetary lens. Her attraction to Harry’s financial success clashes with her past with John, whom she once rejected for his lack of wealth. The film insightfully orchestrates Lucy’s internal debate, showcasing how societal expectations can warp romantic choices.
Humor and Brutality in Romantic Discourse
Song’s script deftly blends humor and brutal honesty, commanding the audience to grapple with uncomfortable truths. Lucy’s hilariously crass acknowledgments, like telling Harry that her favorite thing about him is how easily he picks up the check, infuse the narrative with depth. “Materialists” embodies a contemporary Jane Austen, revealing societal hypocrisies through sharp dialogue.
However, the film doesn’t shy away from the absurdities of modern romance. With a montage that features Lucy’s clientele delivering absurdly superficial requests, the narrative sharpens its critique on how financial standing increasingly dictates social dynamics.
A Call for Self-Reflection
Throughout the film, Lucy wrestles with conflicting desires: the yearning for love versus the comfort of wealth. In a moment of vulnerability, her struggle becomes reflective, resonating with anyone who has faced the daunting choices of commitment in a capitalist society.
The cinematography by Shabier Kirchner enhances Lucy’s internal conflict, as the camera allows us to see her vulnerabilities alongside her brash persona. The film culminates in an explosive monologue where Lucy confronts the shallow values imposed on her by society, capturing both the humor and gravity of modern dating.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Love and Critique
As the story progresses, it holds a mirror up to our own perceptions of love and worth. Although "Materialists" stirs intriguing dialogues around money’s role in relationships, it occasionally succumbs to narrative contrivances that detract from its otherwise potent themes.
Despite its flaws, Celine Song’s follow-up to her critically acclaimed "Past Lives" gives us plenty to chew on, blending wit with profound emotional insights. The film’s conclusion leaves viewers with lingering questions: Can love exist independently of financial disparity? Or are we all just product listings in a market-driven romance?
Key Takeaways
- "Materialists" examines the interplay between love and economics through humor.
- Dakota Johnson shines in her role as Lucy, navigating the complexities of modern relationships.
- The film’s sharp script and dynamic cinematography create a thought-provoking viewing experience.
Important Details
- Rating: R (for language and brief sexual material)
- Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
- Release Date: Wide release on June 13
For more on the film’s themes and to catch up on Celine Song’s burgeoning filmography, check out this article on her previous work.
In a world where every swipe and match is scrutinized, "Materialists" deftly asks whether love can transcend its transactional roots. As we follow Lucy’s journey, we may find ourselves reconsidering our definitions of romance and commitment.
