Dakota Johnson in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
‘Materialists’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.
Set to grace theaters on **June 13**, **‘Materialists’** captivates audiences under the deft direction of **Celine Song** and features an impressive ensemble cast, including **Dakota Johnson**, **Pedro Pascal**, and **Chris Evans**.
First Impressions: A Shift from the Ordinary
(L to R) Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
If you’re anticipating **‘Materialists’** to fall neatly within the realms of a **traditional romantic comedy**, prepare for a delightful surprise. While the promotional material might hint at lighthearted romance, director **Celine Song** invites viewers into a rich narrative that goes beyond surface-level attractions. Following her **2023 debut, ‘Past Lives’**, renowned for its poignant exploration of memory and love, Song delves into the anatomy of relationships within a **transactional society**.
At its core, **‘Materialists’** presents a modern-day love triangle, transforming romantic entanglements into a **numbers game**. Through this lens, Song skillfully underscores how cold logic can sometimes lead to happiness, yet can just as easily pivot toward emotional turmoil. The film serves as an intimate character study, radiating insight into how we view ourselves and each other amid today’s dating landscape. Despite minor missteps in pacing, **‘Materialists’** emerges as a culturally significant commentary on love’s complexities and the peril of commodifying human connection.
Narrative & Directorial Style
(L to R) Director Celine Song, Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans on the set of ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
Introducing **Lucy (Dakota Johnson)**, a professional matchmaker navigating the demanding expectations of affluent clients eager to find love. Lucy’s clients possess an array of desires—six-foot-tall men with hefty salaries seeking partners devoid of complexity—revealing societal inclinations that strip romance of its magic. “Marriage is a business deal,” Lucy remarks, encapsulating the film’s critique of modern matchmaking.
No stranger to a transactional mindset, Lucy has identified herself as a **“voluntary celibate,”** having recently ended her five-year relationship with **John (Chris Evans)**, an aspiring actor struggling with life’s challenges. As Lucy reflects on her romantic aspirations, she confronts the unsettling realities of love, inadvertently questioning her own methodologies.
Her newfound connection with **Harry (Pedro Pascal)**—a seemingly perfect match—challenges Lucy’s transactional approach. However, their emotional interplay unravels deeper questions about authenticity in relationships and priorities in life. As the plot progresses, we witness Lucy’s ideology crumbling, competing against her yearning for genuine emotional connection.
While occasionally faltering in its latter moments, **‘Materialists’** impressively critiques a society where even love can be reduced to mere mathematics. **Celine Song’s** narrative, combined with beautiful cinematography by **Shabier Kirchner**, depicts the backdrop of **New York City** with elegance, accentuating the film’s broader themes.
Powerful Performances from a Stellar Cast
(L to R) Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
Following the mixed reception of **‘Madame Web,’** Dakota Johnson emerges with a career-defining performance as Lucy. Her portrayal captures the intricate layers of a woman confronting her fears of poverty and the emotional dynamics of love. Johnson excels in presenting Lucy as strong yet vulnerable, gradually revealing the character’s inner turmoil.
**Chris Evans** also showcases his range in his portrayal of John. Struggling with self-worth and longing, Evans brings depth to his role, revealing an emotional complexity previously underutilized in his career. His performance provides a poignant contrast to Johnson’s, illustrating the intricacies of love and regret.
Meanwhile, **Pedro Pascal**’s Harry, while less nuanced than his counterparts, contributes charm and charisma, successfully steering clear of clichés often assigned to affluent characters. **Zoë Winters**, notable for her opulent monologue late in the film, delivers a standout performance that resonates with many contemporary single women, adding a powerful layer to the narrative.
Concluding Thoughts
(L to R) Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
**‘Materialists’** is not merely a somber reflection on capitalism’s grip on our interactions; rather, it is a vibrant mix of humor, wit, and melancholy. It provocatively critiques how love has been commodified in modern society, revealing that it’s anything but a simple transaction.
In essence, this film challenges the notion of love as a quantified equation, encouraging viewers to reflect on the emotional depth that resides beneath superficial connections. **Celine Song** once again captures the nuances of the human heart, establishing **‘Materialists’** as one of the year’s must-see films for adults.
Plot Summary of ‘Materialists’
A talented New York City matchmaker is forced to choose between an ideal match and her imperfect yet familiar ex, leading to profound revelations about love and authenticity.
Cast & Characters
- Dakota Johnson as Lucy
- Chris Evans as John
- Pedro Pascal as Harry Castillo
- Zoë Winters as Sophie
- Marin Ireland as Violet
- Dasha Nekrasova as Daisy
- Louisa Jacobson as Charlotte
- John Magaro as Mark P.
Dakota Johnson in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
