With Past Lives, Celine Song showed a story about a “what wasn’t” relationship. With Materialists, she gives us a story that not only reveals what people want in a relationship but also explores the different facets of relationships. By seeing a relationship at its beginning stages and the horrors that could come from dating, Materialists will stir conversations about being happy or being comfortable.
From the opening image of a young couple getting engaged near a cave to the bookend image of another couple having lunch under a stone walkway reminiscent of a cave, we are shown how the pursuit of finding your perfect match has been around for ages. Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a matchmaker with an eye for connecting people. She approaches men on the street and gives them her card, and then her work begins. In meeting these potential suitors, we witness the superficiality of dating in today’s world. Gone are the days of “Love at first sight”. In the movie, people have lists of what they are looking for and what will make or break the deal. When given these stipulations, Lucy smiles at her clients and says, “No problem”.
Celine Song was once a matchmaker herself, and it is interesting to see how this world functions and how marriage is looked at as a business transaction. During one sequence, we learn the real reason a bride is getting married, and it feels so malicious, but it is what makes her happy about the man she is marrying.
At a wedding, Lucy meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), and he is the type of man that her clients would love to catch. Lucy calls Harry a “unicorn” because he checks all of the boxes: handsome, tall, and rich. The “checking of boxes” is a term used throughout the movie, and when talking about relationships, not all boxes are equal, and this can lead to missed connections or disastrous results.
During the wedding, we are also introduced to John (Chris Evans), Lucy’s ex, who is an actor and works for a catering company. The tension between the two is palpable, and through a series of flashbacks, we get a view into their past relationship and why the relationship ended. John, when compared to Harry, is more of a risk. He does not come from money, and his acting jobs are not substantial enough to support a comfortable lifestyle. In a creative montage, we are shown the life that Harry can provide for Lucy, while John is living in an apartment with two roommates.
The film takes a turn when it focuses on one of Lucy’s clients, Sophie (Zoe Winters). Sophie is a longtime client who has not found her match, and this weighs heavily on Lucy. After a situation with a potential match, Sophie’s relationship and trust with Lucy are questioned. This causes Lucy to rethink the concept of “checking boxes” and what is really important in a relationship. This tonal shift in the movie may feel a bit out of place for a moment, but it is important to show the dangers of dating. During these moments, see if you can spot Past Lives alumni, John Magaro.
With Materialists, Celine Song gives an outlook on love and relationships that is more aligned with today’s world. With the use of apps and matchmakers, she shows us that instinct is more important when choosing a partner than relying on an algorithm. Walking out of the theater, audiences will leave with some insight into their lives and maybe question what is truly important.
Dakota Johnson’s performance is fantastic, while Chris Evans steals the movie with his candor and vulnerability. As in Past Lives, where there is memorable dialogue, Chris’ character says a few lines that will be quoted for years. Pedro Pascal oozes so much charm on the screen that even when his secret is revealed, you still want to be with him.
Lastly, Materialists takes advantage of using New York as a character. From the parks to the fancy restaurants Harry takes Lucy to, we see the dichotomy of a lifestyle that most dream of having, with the reality of what we have. Make sure to stay for the closing credits. There is something about a static shot and seeing the busyness of people that feels so cathartic. While you watch the many couples take their turn with the clerks, keep your eyes peeled for a certain couple from earlier in the movie.
Final Thoughts: Materialists is Celine Song’s way of giving us another beautiful look at relationships in today’s world. The theme of being comfortable or being happy is something that many people can connect with. Dakota Johnson is fantastic, but Chris Evans’ performance steals the movie. There is no sophomore slump for Celine Song with Materialists.
Kid-Friendly: Materialists show the audience many facets of relationships that may be too mature for younger audiences. Older kids might learn about what makes a relationship healthy or get insights on how relationships should be.
Violence: While there is no physical violence shown in the movie, there is talk about a sexual assault that may be triggering for some people.
A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.