Materialists Review: It’s the Real Thing
Materialists hits theaters on Friday, June 13, and promises to be more than just a lighthearted romantic comedy. Celine Song, director of the critically acclaimed film Past Lives, presents a narrative that cleverly subverts typical rom-com conventions, inviting us to explore the complexities of modern love and self-identity.
A Plot Beneath the Surface
At first glance, Materialists seems like your average romantic comedy. The storyline revolves around a professional woman, played by Dakota Johnson, who grapples with unexpected feelings for two men, played by Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. However, as Song expertly peels back the layers of this seemingly conventional plot, viewers will find a gripping exploration of loneliness and self-loathing lurking underneath the surface.
A Whirlwind Introduction
The film opens in a surprisingly saccharine prehistoric scene, featuring a cave-dwelling couple and a daisy engagement ring—a whimsical contrast to the material world of modern dating. Lucy Macarro (Johnson), a matchmaker in bustling Manhattan, views romance as a series of transactions, handing out flashy business cards to engage potential clients. This sets the stage for a narrative that transforms the sentimental into the transactional, inviting the audience to question the essence of love in a world dominated by financial expectations.
The Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
As Lucy navigates her professional life, she encounters various clients, each represented as mere data points—“Five-eleven,” “Six figures a year”—illustrating the anonymity that pervades her work. Yet, an unexpected twist arises when she attends a wedding she engineered. Here, she crosses paths with Harry (Pascal), the groom’s charming brother, and her ex-boyfriend John (Evans), a down-on-his-luck actor. This creates a tantalizing love triangle fraught with tension and unforeseen emotional depth.
Performance Highlights
Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Lucy highlights her cool detachment, acting as a fragile facade that cannot withstand the weight of her past relationships. In contrast, Chris Evans imbues John with a deeply relatable vulnerability, balancing romantic idealism with the exhaustion of life’s harsh realities. Each character grapples with their misguided motivations, leading to poignant moments that resonate long after the credits roll.
The Allure of Opulence
As Lucy becomes entangled with Harry, the narrative explores the appeal of luxury. The film shows her drawn to Harry’s lavish lifestyle—fancy dates and his stunning Tribeca penthouse. Yet, the allure of wealth never overshadows the film’s primary question: what does love truly mean? Is it mere comfort, or is there a more profound connection to be found in the chaos of true intimacy?
Navigating a Dilemma
Lucy’s ultimate conflict is less about choosing between wealth and struggle and more about understanding herself. While Harry symbolizes stability, John offers a closer connection to her past and her true self. This internal struggle raises questions about self-worth and the emotional costs associated with her chosen career. It’s a narrative deeply rooted in the complexities of modern love.
The Cinematic Experience
Song’s direction captures the duality between Lucy’s two suitors beautifully. Whether sharing intimate moments with Harry or with the more chaotic John, the film visually and emotionally contrasts these worlds. The sumptuous dates are framed like scenes from a luxury advertisement, while John’s gritty reality depicts the struggles of life in New York City.
A Broader Perspective on Relationships
Materialists doesn’t shy away from darker themes either, including the poignant subplot involving Lucy’s friend Sophie (Zoë Winters). Sophie’s experiences with blind dates and their emotional toll mirror Lucy’s own transactional view of relationships, adding depth to the overarching narrative.
The Underlying Message
At its core, Materialists is an honest exploration of love in a modern context. It encourages viewers to consider the motivations behind their pursuits of connection and the costs associated with superficial choices. This film caters to anyone who has ever felt the pressures of a society obsessed with status and material success.
Conclusion: A Romantic Drama with Depth
Celine Song has crafted a film that is both jagged and soothing, offering a refreshing take on romantic tropes while probing deeper themes of identity and connection. Materialists provides not just a story, but an experience that lingers, urging us to contemplate the true meaning of love and self-acceptance in an often impersonal world.
For more insights on the evolving landscape of romantic cinema, check out resources like Film School Rejects or IndieWire.
