„Materialists” is the latest film by director Celine Song. We may be drawn to the cinema by: the director’s name, one of the three actors – Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal or Chris Evans (or even all three), the film’s trailer, or the announcement of „a romantic comedy perfect for the summer”. Of course, there is also the option „none of the above”, but today maybe these 4 cinematic reasons will be enough to talk about „Materialists”.
I go to the cinema quite often – even every week, which in the current era of streaming platforms and movies at the click of a button I think is a good result. But of course this is not about any competition – I like both the small and the big screen, and since I often go to the cinema, my expectations are simple: I want to have a good time and watch a story that will draw me in. I am not guided by the „ambition” of the film – my brain needs different stories, and I like to find the meaning and reflection where I do not expect it at all.
When it comes to „Materialists,” I was convinced by the trailer and the actors’ natural performances (regardless of their names). I admit that I was probably most surprised by the beginning of the film (I wondered if I had confused the cinema hall), but after that, the positive emotions started flowing.
Lucy (starred by Dakota Johnson) is a matchmaker celebrating another success—she’s matched up not the first couple who will soon get married. The company she works for helps people who can’t „naturally” find their „other half” and rely on professional help. A thorough questionnaire about expectations for the candidate is intended to help avoid disappointments that can appear, for example, when using dating apps.
I won’t focus here on the film’s plot or whether it was surprising (or not) which of the men Lucy chose before the credits were displayed. This part of the story certainly qualifies the film as a „romantic comedy.” However, I perceive „Materialists” a bit differently.
I’ve read some reviews of this film, and they criticized its lack of humorous dialogues and situations. For me, these were the moments when adults listed the qualities their partner should have—as if they were actually trying to create a „new” person who would meet their expectations. I understand that kids could make such a list in kindergarten, but adults? I know it’s quite common to say: „I only like brunettes over 180 cm who run their own businesses” but how can you take something like that seriously? I mean, if we’re talking about finding love. Because if we just want to find a partner for a relationship, then okay, let’s check off the boxes. But the film’s theme was finding love.
My opinion might be unpopular, but I see this film as a satire of modern times (and romantic comedies). Celine Song winks at us from the screen through Dakota, Pedro, and Chris and says: think about what you really want—a relationship partner from a catalogue, with specific technical parameters, or are you looking for affection? Both options are fine, but let’s be honest with ourselves. Because the worst thing that can happen when representatives of these two beliefs meet is that they „forget” to tell the other person about their expectations.
However, what stuck with me after the screening (but I think it was only mine, as I haven’t read about it in any reviews) was the case of a client matched by Lucy, where the man she was set up with (who met the requirements from the list – in theory) wanted to end the evening differently than his companion and then proceeded to approach the woman in her apartment. The information in the tables might be accurate, but we only discover a person’s character when we meet them (and sometimes only after a long time). So perhaps we should consider whether we really need to reveal every important detail about our lives to someone we’ve just met. The same goes for social media – if you learn everything about a person online, why bother getting to know them in person?
The film „Materialists” exposes the absurdities of our times. The character, played by Pedro Pascal, is called a unicorn by Lucy (Dakota Johnson), because not only is he handsome, rich, and educated, but he also knows how to behave and listen to what a woman has to say. We’ve reached a point where the ability to behave in company or treat another person with respect is considered extraordinary. Quo vadis, people?
Instead of focusing on whether Lucy should follow her heart or her head when choosing a man, I recommend watching this film and considering the list you check off every day in your life. Not just in romantic or erotic relationships, but in relationships in general. Because wealth doesn’t always mean resourcefulness, and often someone wants to be tall just to look down on others.
And when it comes to acting, these three are quite enjoyable to watch : )