Dakota Johnson (left) and Pedro Pascal in Celine Song’s “Materialists.” Credit: A24 via TNS
Exploring Love in the Age of Digital Romance
How can singles truly find their perfect match when the concept of a “perfect match” itself is fraught with confusion? This question lies at the heart of Celine Song’s latest film, “Materialists,” which was released in theaters on Friday.
The Premise: A Matchmaker’s Dilemma
In this modern romantic comedy, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a professional matchmaker based in the bustling streets of New York City. While she dedicates her life to helping others forge connections, she grapples with her own romantic entanglements featuring two intriguing suitors: Harry (Pedro Pascal) and John (Chris Evans).
A Stone Age Surprise
The film opens with a **surprising flashback** to the Stone Age, where early humans contend with the romantic expectations that persist to this day — boy meets girl, boy showers girl with gifts, and love blooms. This inventive prologue sets the stage for a deeper exploration of modern dating expectations and the realities that accompany relationships.
A Match Made at a Wedding
Arriving at a wedding she orchestrated, Lucy takes her seat at the singles table just as the charming Harry enters, dressed in a meticulously tailored suit. He captivates Lucy’s attention, and as their chemistry begins to simmer, an unexpected twist occurs: Lucy’s ex-boyfriend, John, appears as the waiter.
As Lucy confides in Harry about her job, she muses that “dating is a risk.” Indeed, this theme reverberates throughout the film, which attempts to weigh the costs and rewards inherent in love. However, in its quest to explore these dynamics, “Materialists” often finds itself lost in indecision.
The Transactional Nature of Dating
Lucy navigates her matchmaking career meticulously, pairing individuals who meet certain criteria such as age, height, and financial stability. Consequently, she begins to view her own love life through a transactional lens, prioritizing lavish dinners and luxurious experiences over genuine emotional connections.
Unicorns & Contrasts
The sizzling chemistry between Johnson and Pascal is palpable, with Harry described as a “unicorn” in Lucy’s world. Despite his wealth — showcased through his $12 million bachelor pad — Harry remains refreshingly sincere and warm. In stark contrast, John embodies a more troubled reality; a struggling actor confined to a shared apartment, his financial woes a constant shadow over his past with Lucy.
While Evans portrays John with depth, their interactions lack the spark that one would expect from a well-crafted romantic comedy. Lucy and John’s moments together are tinted with an awkward coldness, lacking the emotional warmth crucial for redemption.
The Missing Pieces
The film skips over essential developments in Lucy and John’s relationship. Their dramatic breakup on the street catapults us forward, leaving out the middle ground that could illuminate their past connection. Rather than exploring the emotional landscape of their relationship, “Materialists” pulls us in too many directions, ultimately sacrificing depth.
A Struggle Between Realism and Fantasy
Lucy’s navigation of her two suitors underscores her transactional belief in dating, opting for familiarity over potential love when it counts. Through Johnson’s layered performance, we see how Lucy, while ambitious, often exchanges sincerity for superficial allure.
The Verdict: Love vs. Materialism
“Materialists” attempts to convey a vital message: love transcends checklists and societal norms. Yet, the film’s indecision causes it to struggle with its dual narratives — a yearning for realism versus a longing for fairy-tale endings.
While this film charms as a genre-defying romantic comedy, it ultimately reveals itself to align more closely with its namesake: as shallow as the surface it attempts to critique.
Rating: 3/5
