Materialists Review: A Refreshing Spin on the Romantic Comedy Genre
With its release, Materialists—the highly anticipated follow-up to Celine Song’s Oscar-nominated film, Past Lives—promises to intrigue viewers not through the familiar whimsy of romantic comedies, but rather through a thoughtful exploration of contemporary love and connection.
A Unique Take on Romance in a Familiar Setting
As Materialists unfolds, we follow Lucy, a young matchmaker in the bustling streets of New York City, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself torn between a seemingly perfect new partner and an imperfect ex. Initially, you might expect the film to conform to the conventional rom-com formula, featuring charming characters and dramatic love triangles. However, as the story develops, it veers into much deeper themes, immersing viewers in a nuanced commentary on modern dating culture.
The Matrix of Love: Characters and Expectations
Lucy’s journey is not just about the romantic entanglements she navigates. It’s also a personal reckoning with what society dictates about love. In her role as a matchmaker, she curates impossible standards imposed by her affluent clientele—think ideal body types, financial success, and social status. This exploration prompts viewers to reflect on what we have come to expect from romantic relationships.
Financial Expectations: Lucy’s clients often demand superficial traits—a six-figure salary or an impressive physique—which she tolerates for the sake of her career.
- Personal Insecurity: Ironically, Lucy’s own relationships mirror these shallow demands. Despite being in proximity to wealth and charm, she struggles to accept the right partner, believing she’s not worthy of love.
Dakota Johnson as Lucy in a scene from "Materialists."
A Multifaceted Love Triangle
As the plot thickens, Lucy’s encounter with Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy private equity broker, adds to her internal conflict. While Harry is eager to pursue Lucy, she is entangled with John (Chris Evans), her struggling ex-boyfriend. The chemistry between the characters creates a rich tapestry for examining societal norms around wealth and relationship dynamics.
- Emotional Baggage: Lucy’s past with John adds layers to her situation, stirring up unresolved feelings that complicate her budding relationship with Harry.
Beyond the Love Triangle: Addressing Societal Issues
Celine Song’s vision does not shy away from discussing darker aspects of love and relationships. When a tragic incident concerning one of her clients surfaces, it forces Lucy to confront the realities of the matchmaking industry, unveiling a shocking truth about vulnerability and objectification in the dating world.
- Social Commentary: This moment adds gravitas to the narrative that is often absent in light-hearted rom-coms, reminding viewers that love exists within a spectrum of human experiences—not just the joyful moments.
A Hearty Conversation Starter
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its ability to ignite discussions around transactional love and consumerism in modern relationships. As Song mentions in interviews, “Our favorite rom-coms are the ones where we get to start a conversation about something.”
Through its layered storytelling, Materialists encourages audiences to reflect on how love has morphed in a world dominated by superficiality, revealing the challenges of forming authentic connections.
Lucy navigates the complexities of her romantic options in "Materialists."
Conclusion: A Refreshingly Disquieting Narrative
In Materialists, the quest for love becomes a powerful allegory of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the blurred lines between wealth and worth. While Lucy ultimately finds her own version of a happy ending, audiences are left contemplating the disconnection between desire and reality—a theme that resonates deeply in our contemporary dating landscape.
The film succeeds in both entertaining and provoking thought, securing its place as a significant entry in the romantic comedy genre that dares to push boundaries.
For more insights into Materialists and its cultural commentary, check out the film’s trailer and other reviews.
