In a world where dating apps double as résumés and relationships feel more like negotiations than love stories, Celine Song’s Materialists offers a sharp, satirical, and surprisingly heartfelt critique of modern romance. Set in New York City, the film dives headfirst into the glittering chaos of modern romance, status, style, and ambition. Song gives us a script both biting and surprisingly tender, challenging viewers to question their idea of true love.
An anti-rom-com?
More romance than comedy, the film offers a sharp, satirical lens on the transactional nature of love in a hyper-capitalist society where every relationship seems to come at a price.
The drama follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a successful matchmaker at a high-end agency. A rekindled relationship with her ex, John (Chris Evans), complicates her professional life when she also kindles a new romantic interest with Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy financier. The film delves into Lucy's internal conflict as she navigates these relationships, questioning her values and desires.
All the rom-com elements are there: giggling, beautiful coworkers, cute love interests, great fashion, a killer soundtrack, and a quirky-yet-elegant, sharp, and lovable female protagonist. The film is rated R, however, for brief sexual material (implied sex scenes), language, and a discussion of topics such as sexual assault. The storyline isn’t light and comedic, but rather thought-provoking. If there were a female equivalent of a Woody Allen film, this would be it.
A modern-day Jane Austen amalgamation
This film could be considered a modern adaptation and mix of Pride and Prejudice with Emma. There are themes of perceived value based upon social status, wealth, and appearance, as Lucy measures the world – and herself – through a polarized lens.
Even the idea of strategic match-making, or love as a “business deal,” as Lucy calls it, is very Austen.
Lucy is similar to Austen’s Emma in the sense that she initially thinks she knows best – for her clients, Harry, Jack, and even herself. Through personal transformation and hardship, she discovers that true love is found in emotional depth, effort, and grit – not money.
The film's critique of materialism and the commodification of love aligns with Austen's subtle examinations of class and marriage in her stories.
Chris Evans is swoonworthy
I know half the theater is coming for the star power of Pedro Pascal. And he delivers in his role. However, the unassuming star of the movie is Chris Evan as Jack. Stripped from his typical superhero role, Evans portrays Jack as devoted, a clear communicator, and vulnerable without being a pushover. Jack steals the show as the love interest every girl wants.
A poignant commentary on today’s dating scene
As a matchmaker, Lucy hears an earful from her clients. Everyone wants their perfect match, but is unwilling to compromise on specific details that they believe are necessary to their ideal. Celine Song’s background working as a matchmaker makes these scenes authentic and comical, and her storytelling sheds light on our assumption that we deserve something from a relationship.
Through her experiences, Lucy realizes that “marriage is a business deal, but love has to be on the table.”
The movie points out that similar interests, values, and backgrounds often make a harmonious match. While this is often true and one’s standards should be high, sometimes letting go of an ideal and accepting another is what true love is. The love triangle in the movie helps Lucy understand that the best partner is the one who accepts you for who you are and continuously shows up, despite any shortcomings.
If you’re looking for a wholesome love story with comedic relief, opt for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or The Wedding Planner. If you want to see an authentic, tender, and sometimes blunt depiction of realistic romance? Materialists delivers.